Molina, Cards agree

The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals have reached agreement with Gold Glove catcher Yadier Molina on a five-year, $75 million deal that will keep him in St. Louis through the 2017 season. The deal also includes a mutual $15 million option for a sixth year. The contract makes him the second-highest paid catcher in major league baseball, behind only an eight-year, $184 million deal for Minnesota’s Joe Mauer.

Burnett to have surgery

PITTSBURGH — Pitcher A.J. Burnett (Central Arkansas Christian) will undergo surgery today to repair a fractured right orbital bone.

The right-hander injured himself Wednesday at the team’s spring training facilities in Bradenton, Fla., after a bunt attempt caromed off his face.

There is no immediate timetable for Burnett’s return.

Burnett, 35, was acquired in a three-player trade with the New York Yankees last month and was expected to be the No. 1 starter on a team looking to improve on a 72-90 record last season.

A two-time World Series winner, he is also trying to rehabilitate his career. He struggled during his final two seasons in New York, posting a 21-26 record with a 5.20 ERA. He led the major leagues with 25 wild pitches in 2011 while allowing a career-high 31 home runs.

Molina agrees to deal

JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract with four-time Gold Glove catcher Yadier Molina that will keep him in St. Louis through the 2017 season.

The team announced the details Thursday, including a mutual $15 million option for a sixth year. The contract makes Molina, 29, the second-highest-paid catcher in the majors, trailing only the Minnesota Twins’ Joe Mauer (eight years, $184 million).

“I grew up here, I feel good here,” said Molina, who has helped the Cardinals win two World Series. “It was my first choice to stay here.”

Talks accelerated after Molina’s longtime agent, Melvin Roman, arrived at the team’s spring training site last week. Roman has represented the catcher since he signed his first contract with St. Louis in 2000, when Molina was a fourth-round pick.

Molina batted .305 last season with 14 home runs and 65 RBI, and added 12 RBI during the team’s World Series title run. He has been durable, too, averaging 138 games the past three seasons.

Gentry, Moreland agree

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Craig Gentry (Fort Smith, Arkansas Razorbacks), a candidate to be the Texas Rangers’ starting center fielder, and first baseman Mitch Moreland are among the last eight players who have agreed to 2012 contracts with Texas. With the deals announced Thursday, the two-time defending American League champions have every player on their 40-man roster under contract.

Gentry, who hit .271 in 133 at-bats and was 18 of 18 on stolen bases last season, gets $484,300. Moreland, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist in November, got a $491,100 deal.

Varitek officially retires

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jason Varitek has officially announced his retirement, bringing to an end a 15-year career with the Boston Red Sox. Varitek made the announcement Thursday at the team’s spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. Many of his teammates, his parents, Red Sox ownership and his wife and three daughters attended.

Varitek, 39, said he grappled with the decision for a long time. The Red Sox offered him a chance to come to camp on a minor-league contract, but he declined.

Varitek helped lead the Red Sox to two World Series titles. He caught a record four no-hitters and played in three AllStar games. He was a career .256 hitter with 193 home runs and 757 RBI.

A.J. Burnett