Jason LaRue agrees to $950,000 deal with Cardinals

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Catcher Jason LaRue has agreed to a $950,000, one-year contract to remain with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Yadier Molina's backup for two seasons, LaRue hit .240 with two homers and six RBIs in 104 at-bats last season. He started 26 games and appeared in 51 overall.

"Jason is a great fit for our ballclub in his current role," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said Monday. "His veteran leadership both on and off the field is something we value highly."

LaRue's deal, the same as his 2009 contract, includes a $50,000 performance bonus if he has 60 starts.

St. Louis also agreed to a minor league contract with infielder Ruben Gotay, who hit .272 with 29 doubles, 11 homers and 57 RBIs last season for Reno, Arizona's Triple-A farm team.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)