Negotiations on a contract extension between Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright's representative and the club are continuing to accelerate with the understanding of an opening-day deadline, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Sources familiar with both sides of the conversation expressed a sense of optimism an agreement could be reached before Wainwright starts opening day against the Diamondbacks. Wainwright is entering the final year of a contract he signed during spring training in 2008.
"The St. Louis Cardinals and Adam Wainwright aggressively continue to work to a resolution on his contract status," general manager John Mozeliak said. "And there is a sincere desire as there has always been to find a way to extend Adam. As opening day draws near, talks are intensifying and both parties agree that resolution is best sooner rather than later.”