The Cardinals are negotiating a two-year extension with closer Ryan Franklin. Franklin, 36, made the All-Star team for the first time this season and the new contract would allow the reliever to finish his career in St. Louis. "He's a big reason we're in a great position right now," manager Tony La Russa told the Associated Press. "He's the kind of guy that I don't think is distracted by security and finances, I think he really enjoys competing and having an important job."