[Mi_chief_fan]

JUPITER, Fla.*• Another spring, another presser in the multipurpose room.

The Cardinals have notified the media of a press conference for 10 a.m. St. Louis time in a large room at the back of the team's main building at Roger

Dean Stadium. It is the same advisory that has arrived before the formal press conferences for Adam Wainwright's extension, John Mozeliak's extension, and, two springs ago, Yadier Molina's extension.

This one is for Matt Carpenter.

The Cardinals and the third baseman moved toward finalizing a deal this past week that will sign Carpenter for an additional six years. The deal is expected to be worth between $51 million and $55 million. It will lock him in place with the organization through age 33.

The movement toward a deal was first reported late Wednesday by The Post-Dispatch.

Carpenter left in the middle of Wednesday's game to have a physical -- standard protocol before the team and player agree on a long-term contract. Both sides confirmed that negotiations were ongoing. Sources indicated that a deal could be completed soon and announced some time today.

The media advisory landed before 8 a.m. St. Louis time.

Carpenter, 28, finished fourth in the voting for the MVP last season after his breakout summer as both leadoff hitter and second baseman. He led the National League in runs, doubles, and hits, coming one short of a 200-hit season. The lefthanded-hitting infielder will shift to third base for this season, but he's shown the ability to also play the outfield and first base, if needed.

The past three springs have seen the Cardinals extend contracts with core players like Wainwright and Allen Craig (in 2013) and Molina (in 2012).

Check back here for coverage throughout the day.