JUPITER, Fla. -- Matt Carpenter called agreeing to a new US$52-million, six-year deal with St. Louis a no-brainer. The Cardinals are hoping their third baseman sticks even longer than that. "Hes the type of player youd like to think could finish his career as a Cardinal," St. Louis chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt said Saturday. St. Louis began contract talks with Carpenter in August. Both sides characterized the negotiations smooth. "It was not one of those where we were sitting there debating all of Matts faults or his weaknesses, because there werent any," St. Louis General Manager John Mozeliak said. "Hes really a special person not only on the field but off the field." The deal includes a team option for a seventh year in 2020 at $18.5 million. Should the St. Louis decline the option, they would pay Carpenter a $2-million buyout. "For a baseball junkie like myself, I cant think of a better place to play than the city of St. Louis," Carpenter said. "Busch Stadium, I still pinch myself every time I make that drive to the field. "Playing in front of these fans, the city of St. Louis, Cardinal baseball as a whole, its just so much fun. Its such a privilege to put on this jersey. Its something I dont take lightly at all." Carpenters agent, Bryan Cahill, said the 28-year-old received a $1-million signing bonus and will make $1.5 million this season. The salary escalates each year, reaching $14.5 million in 2019. Carpenter hit .318 while leading the National League in hits (199), doubles (55) and runs (126) last season and playing mostly second base. He is moving back to third this season, where he has played most of his professional career. He earned his first all-star selection in 2013 and finished fourth in MVP voting. A 13th-round draft choice out of TCU in 2009, Carpenters first full season in the majors was 2012. Carpenter switched to second during last spring training and started 128 games as a middle infielder in 2013. He also played 24 games at third. Known in the clubhouse for his work ethic and daily preparation, it hasnt taken Carpenter long to take on a leadership role. Hes made an impact not only on the younger Cardinals, but also on the veterans. "They cant help but watch," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "OK, how did this guy get on the board all of the sudden? "Hows he in the MVP running? Where did this come from? They cant help but translate the work thats put in and the discipline." He fought back emotion at Saturdays press conference. "I realize what a responsibility this is for me," Carpenter said. "Im really looking forward to living up to this and continuing being part of such a great organization." Gorgui Dieng Jersey . If one fighter gases, he usually gets beat up pretty bad from that point on. Karl-Anthony Towns Jersey . 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Kevin Garnett Jersey .C. - Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says Danny Granger, Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem are still not ready to play and will miss Wednesday nights game against the Charlotte Hornets.EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Two months ago, Matt Kalil and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen were reeling.The Detroit Lions had just sacked rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater eight times, relentless pressure that also led to three interceptions, while forcing seven punts and limiting the Vikings to three points.The division rematch has arrived this week, and the Vikings are now down three of their five original starters to injuries. That doesnt mean theyre anxious, tough, about having again to block Ziggy Ansah, Ndamukong Suh and the rest of that fierce front four the Lions have.Im not worried about this game at all, Kalil said. I think the guys weve got up there are pretty solid.Ansah has 15 1/2 sacks in 27 career games, 2 1/2 against Kalil and the Vikings on Oct. 12.Ive definitely got my hands full, but their other defensive linemen are pretty good, too, Kalil said.This has been a rough season for the former fourth overall draft pick, taken by the Vikings in 2012 out of USC, but he has started to play a bit better over the second half of the season despite a persistence of costly penalties.The overall protection for Bridgewater has been better, too, as hes learned to deliver the ball more quickly without letting the pass rush alter his throws. Bridgewater has taken a total of 13 sacks over the past six games.Most remarkable about the improvement is that the Vikings have done so with a majority of backups. Kalil and centre John Sullivan are still intact, but Joe Berger is at right guard for Brandon Fusco and Mike Harris is playing right tackle for Phil Loadholt.Both Fusco and Loadholt are on injured reserve with torn pectoral muscles. Left guard Charlie Johnson hurt his anklle in the last game, too, so Vlad Ducasse is in line to replace him against the Lions.dddddddddddd Ducasse started four games for Fusco before Berger took over there.Its a next-man-up mentality. I know Vlad is going to come in and do a great job for us, Harris said. This is my third game now. The coaches are expecting me to perform at a high level. Just play ball. Thats it.Kalil and offensive co-ordinator Norv Turner, unprompted in separate interviews, each credited offensive line coach Jeff Davidson for his patchwork.Jeffs been doing a great job all year of just throwing guys in random spots, getting them used to playing all different positions, Davidson said.None more than Berger, the veteran now in his 10th NFL season, his fourth with the Vikings. He has been the go-to guy at both guard spots and centre when injuries have come up.Hes kind of the mauler in there, Kalil said.Special teams co-ordinator Mike Priefer, speaking about the lack of touchdowns on kickoff returns this year, mentioned missing Bergers blocking on that unit now that hes a starter on offence.He does get outmanned a little bit at times, but I think he makes up for with having a good understanding of what were trying to do and being in the right position, Turner said.Berger, who played at NCAA Division II Michigan Tech and grew up in the state, will have several family members and friends at Ford Field on Sunday. So this is a special game for him. But hes not letting the Lions become that big of a deal.Theyre a good defensive front. 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