Round Two: He's The Heart Of The Staff, But Can Cardinals Afford Chris Carpenter In 2012?

QUESTION: If the Cardinals get Albert Pujols signed to a long-term extension, do you think they will be able to afford to pick up Chris Carpenter’s $15 million option for 2012? Given Carpenter’s age, does that even make sense to do? Or do you think Carpenter and the team will work out an extension with a lower annual average value?

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