ST. LOUIS -- Ryan Franklin, who has developed into one of the most effective closers in baseball, signed a contract extension with the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday that will keep him with the team through the 2011 season.
"I enjoy it here," said the 36-year-old Franklin, who has converted a National League-high 36 saves in 38 opportunities with a 1.37 ERA in 53 games. "It's good to have a home for the next couple of years. It all has to do with being someplace where you think you're wanted, you're comfortable and people like you --and you're around a bunch of good people."
Franklin's deal is worth about $6.5 million, not including performance incentives. Franklin was an NL All-Star in July.
The Cardinals also signed left-handed specialist Trever Miller to an extension that will keep him in St. Louis through at least 2010.
The deal, worth $2 million in base salary, includes a vesting option for $2 million in 2011 that would be guaranteed if he appears in 45 games next season.
The option would become a club option with a $1 million buyout if Miller appears in 45 games next season and goes on the disabled list for a left arm or shoulder injury.
Miller, 36, is 4-0 with a 1.75 ERA in 57 games. He's dominated left-handed hitters, holding them to a meager .099 average (8-for-81) with 34 strikeouts.
"It happened rapidly compared to all the other contracts I've had to negotiate," said Miller, who's enthusiastic about returning. "It wasn't going to be a hard sell for me, I'll tell you that right now. I think that's why it went fast. Both sides were amicable and wanted to get to an agreement quickly."
Franklin wasn't the closer when spring training broke, as the Cardinals were interested in keeping him as a set-up man to Jason Motte. But Motte struggled as the closer, and Franklin quickly seized the role.
"I think last year's experience helped me out a lot --being able to get in there in some big games and close out a few games," said Franklin, who had 17 saves in 25 chances as a replacement for the injured Jason Isringhausen.
Franklin's 1.05 ERA is the lowest among all major-league closers, and he's limited hitters to a .188 average. Left-handers are batting just .157 against Franklin.
"They were all about, 'If you want to do something, we can get it done and you can have your security and know where you're going to be,'" Franklin said of the Cardinals' willingness to work a deal. "It's kind of a load off my mind and my family's mind, knowing where we're going to be for the next couple of years."
Franklin said the contract could be the final one of his career.
"I could have went out and become a free agent after next year and tried to go after the big money," Franklin said. "But that's not important to me. What's important to me is winning, having my family close by and being somewhere I'm comfortable."
Franklin didn't characterize his signing as being a "hometown discount."
"When you're making millions, it's not a discount," Franklin said. "My mom and dad are 60 and 64 years old and they're still working every day. I'm pretty fortunate to be able to do what I've done and to be able to make what I've made in my time.
"Sure, I took less to play here, but that's fine with me. I've got no problem with that. I don't consider myself a greedy person. My kids are going to be OK and I'm going to be OK after I get through playing."
With Franklin and Miller returning in 2010, the Cardinals' bullpen is set. Motte, Dennys Reyes, Blake Hawksworth, Kyle McClellan and Brad Thompson all are under the team's control for next year.
"I think going into spring training will be easier on everybody," Miller said. "Collectively, the whole body of that bullpen down there can get guys out consistently. If everybody shows up in shape ... Tony (La Russa) knows how to use us. Going into the season, I think that will be an advantage."
Miller became a free agent last winter when the Tampa Bay Rays declined their option on him. The Cardinals reached an agreement on a two-year deal with Miller, but Miller failed a physical when it revealed damage to his labrum.
Miller still doesn't believe the labrum's an issue. The partied wound up meeting in the middle in the offseason, as Miller received a one-year, $2 million contract.
"I love being a Cardinal," Miller said. "I think the closer I would have gotten to free agency, it would have been a little bit tougher decision for me. Obviously, if I had went into the offseason without an agreement, that would have been a harder decision. But I think I would have come right back here."
Unlike Franklin, Miller doesn't intend on this being his final contract. He owns at least one advantage over Franklin in that he's left-handed.
"They're going to have to kick me out of this game," Miller said. "I don't plan on retiring. I told my wife that. My family know that. They're going to have to slam the door in my face and say, 'We don't want you any more, Trever. Thanks for the service and good luck with the rest of your life.'
"I'm always wanting to play --as long as I possibly can. John Smoltz is my hero. He's 42 years old. That's six more years for me."
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