Current Contract:
Signed a one-year, $1.025 million contract with a $1.1 million mutual option for 2008 on January 16, 2007.

2007: $925,000
2008: $1,100,000 (or $100,000 buyout)

*Taguchi's base salary for 2008 would increase by $100,000 each for 350 and 375 plate appearances next season, and $150,000 each for 400 and 450 plate appearances. The contract also includes $350,000 in annual performance bonuses.

Agent: Alan Nero, CSMG

Became a Cardinal:
Signed as a free agent on January 9, 2002.

2006 Season:
Taguchi batted .266 in 134 games while leading the team with 11 stolen bases. Taguchi enjoyed a terrific postseason run, blasting home runs in each of his first two at-bats, including a decisive shot in the ninth inning of Game Two of the National League Championship Series at New York.

Career Notes:
Taguchi was selected by the Orix Blue Wave in the first round of the 1991 Japanese Pacific League Draft. He played for Orix through 2001, winning five gold gloves. He signed with the Cardinals that offseason, but spent most of 2002 in the minor leagues. He then split the next two seasons between St. Louis and Memphis. 2005 was his first full season in the majors. He has hit .281/.331/.399 with 16 home runs in 448 Major League games.

Contract Info: Associated Press

Photo: MLB Photos