The Cardinals have announced agreement on a one-year contract with right fielder Ryan Ludwick, allowing the sides to avoid the possibility of an arbitration hearing.

Ludwick will be paid $5.45 million for the 2010 season.

The deal leaves second baseman Skip Schumaker as the club’s only remaining arbitration case. The two sides are believed close to an agreement as well.

Reaching agreement with Ludwick is pivotal to the club moving ahead to address its remaining needs, which include another outfielder (preferably a lefthanded-hitting one) and a set-up reliever who could serve as a secondary closer.

Good, maybe they will be on good terms for a three year deal if none of the minor league guys shows up well after next year. He is a dependable outfielder.

Skip wants $2,750,000 and the Cardinals are offering $1,450,000.

Glad to hear about Luddy, maybe now Tony will
play him everyday?

I hope Skip takes the deal, but is there incentives?

He should go up in price next year too if he gets
better at advancing to third and stuff.

With a 3-4-5 of Albert, Matt, and Ryan Ludwick the Cards should be able to get some runs in.