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The St. Louis Cardinals signed right-hander reliever Russ Springer to a one-year contract extension for the 2008 season.

After signing a one-year deal with St. Louis last December, Springer went 8-1 with a 2.18 ERA in a career-high 76 games this year for the Cardinals. The 38- year-old held opposing batters to a .181 batting average and his ERA ranked seventh among National League relievers.

"A large part of our bullpen's success last season can be attributed to Russ," said Cardinals interim general manager John Mozeliak. "He, along with Izzy (Jason Isringhausen) and Ryan Franklin, represent a solid trio at the back end of our bullpen."

In 12-plus seasons in the majors, Springer owns a career record of 33-40 with a 4.70 ERA.