Dec 12, 2009 11:07 AM EST

Sources told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the offer the Cardinals made to free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday is worth less than $18 million annually.

That number is significant because Holliday turned down an offer from the Rockies in 2008 that was believed to be worth around $18 million per season.

St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak confirmed on Friday that an offer was made, but didn't disclose financial figures.

Via St. Louis Post-Dispatch