Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Cardinals are "close to finalizing" a six-year extension with Matt Carpenter worth $51-55 million. Goold says the contract "could be finalized and announced this weekend." Carpenter isn't eligible for arbitration until after this season, so the six-year deal would buy out his first two years of free agency. The fact that the infielder is 28 makes the extension a little risky, but as long as he stays healthy it should wind up being a good deal for the Cardinals.