Cards to cut ties with Mulder

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals intend to cut ties with often-injured left-hander Mark Mulder, paying a $1.5 million buyout rather than exercising an $11 million option on his contract.

General manager John Mozeliak said Tuesday he sent a letter to Mulder's agent, Gregg Clifton, informing him of the franchise's intention. The Cardinals had until Nov. 15 to notify Mulder.

"We don't have to do anything yet, but the likelihood is we will buy him out," Mozeliak said.

Mozeliak said he didn't think the Cardinals would be interested in re-signing Mulder at a lower rate, either.

"There's always that chance," Mozeliak said. "But right now we're trying to focus on looking for guys who aren't going to be health risks."

The Cardinals' rotation for next season includes Adam Wainwright, Kyle Lohse, Todd Wellemeyer and Joel Pineiro. Ace Chris Carpenter would head that list if he's able to recover from a nerve problem that affects the muscles in the back of his shoulder and around his neck.

Earlier this month Carpenter and the team decided against surgery, opting for therapy and rest.

Mulder, 31, is rehabbing from a pair of shoulder operations and was limited to 1 2/3 innings last season after initial optimistic forecasts he could join the rotation as early as May. He made $13 million the last two seasons while totaling six appearances and four starts covering 12 2/3 innings.

Mulder had two rehab assignments last season, was activated as a reliever and made one start in July that lasted only 16 pitches. He made three starts in September 2007, going 0-3 with a 12.27 ERA before undergoing a second shoulder surgery.

The Cardinals sent young right-hander Dan Haren and a top prospect to the Athletics for Mulder before the 2005 season. Mulder won 16 games his first year, but was 6-10 with only 21 starts the last three seasons.

Season tickets to increase

The Cardinals season ticket plan for 2009 will leave prices unchanged for more than 70 percent of their seats, a decision influenced by the economic downturn.

The team said season ticket prices will increase 1.6 percent on a weighted average basis.

The Cardinals open at home April 6 against the Pittsburgh Pirates and will host the All-Star Game in July.