Cardinals sign Girardi to one-year deal

NASHVILLE, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Joe Girardi, one of the most respected backup catchers in the game, reportedly agreed Monday to a one-year, $720,000 contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

It was reported that the former Chicago Cub has agreed to become the backup to Mike Matheny.

Last season, Girardi hit just .226 with a homer and 13 RBI in 90 games. However, he is considered one of the smartest catchers in the game. He threw out 20-of-65 basestealers last season.

A career .267 hitter with 36 homers and 421 RBI in 1,261 games over 14 years, Girardi was a memeber of the New York Yankees' world championship teams in 1996, 1998 and 1999.