Cardinals extend Edmonds

Jim Edmonds is staying put in an effort to help the St. Louis Cardinals win back-to-back World Series titles.

Edmonds, who has competed in six post-seasons with the Cardinals, has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the National League team.

"We couldn't be more pleased to have this extension worked out with Jim," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said Friday.

"Jim in one of the true leaders for our team both on and off the field, and it's not just coincidence that he has been such a big part in creating and maintaining a winning attitude ever since his arrival in 2000."

Since Edmonds, 36, was acquired from the Anaheim Angels in a three-player deal, he has batted .288 in 988 games with 299 home runs and 660 runs batted in.

The veteran outfielder hit .250 with two homers and 10 RBIs over 16 games for the Cardinals during their successful World Series run in October. St. Louis completed a 4-1 series victory over Detroit on Oct. 27on right-hander Jeff Suppan's eight-inning gem (four hits, one earned run)in a4-2 doubling of the Tigers.

An eight-time Gold Glove winner, Edmonds is ranked fourth on the club's all-time homer list.

Since the 2000 season, Edmonds has ranked in the top five in numerous categories among all centre-fielders, including slugging percentage (first, .572), home runs (second, 229), RBIs (second, 660), doubles (third, 219) and batting (fifth, 288).