Redbirds sign LaRueas backup catcher

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year contract with catcher Jason LaRue, who will serve as the backup to Yadier Molina, the team said Monday.

Terms were not disclosed.

LaRue, 33, will replace Gary Bennett, who was not resigned.

LaRue is a career .233 hitter with 88 homers and 316 RBIs. He spent his first eight seasons with Cincinnati. The Reds traded him to Kansas City prior to the 2007 season.

In 66 games with the Royals, LaRue hit .148 with four home runs and 13 RBIs.

His best season was 2005, when he hit .260 with 14 homers for the Reds.

LaRue is known for a strong throwing arm. He threw out 33 percent of would-be base stealers last season.

-- AP