ST. LOUIS – Cardinals teammates say Yadier Molina, one of the top defensive catchers in the major leagues, is a bargain at any price.

“Yadier is the best catcher in the game, period,” pitcher Adam Wainwright said Monday after Molina agreed to a $15.5 million, four-year contract. “The fact he has never won a Gold Glove is a joke. You don’t have to worry about the running game, all you have to do is make the pitch. And you have confidence to throw any pitch at any time and know he’s going to catch it.”

Molina threw out 50 percent of would-be basestealers last year, catching 23 of 46. He’s also coming off a career-best .275 average, with six homers and 40 RBIs in 111 games.

Molina hit the go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of the Cardinals’ seven-game NLCS victory over the New York Mets in 2006 and was 7-for-12 in the World Series, helping St. Louis win its first championship in 24 seasons.

The 25-year-old had asked for a raise from $525,000 to $2.75 million and the Cardinals had offered $1.85 million.

Manager Tony La Russa said Molina is mature for his age, and thus there was no risk in giving him a long-term deal. He said Molina and Albert Pujols have a similar work ethic.

“You’ve got to be careful who you give it to because some guys are going to change,” La Russa said. “There’s no doubt in any of our minds that him being richer for longer will not change anything about the way he goes about it.”

Molina gets a $250,000 signing bonus, $1.75 million this year, $3.25 million in 2009, $4.25 million in 2010 and $5.25 million in 2011. The deal includes a $7 million club option for 2012 with a $750,000 buyout, and the option increases to $7.5 million if he is traded.

“Were we willing to make a long-term commitment?” general manager John Mozeliak said. “Ultimately that was both of our goals.”

Molina hit a career-best .275 with six homers and 40 RBIs in 111 games last season, missing significant time with a broken left wrist. He’s the younger brother of two other major league catchers, Bengie Molina of the Giants and Jose Molina of the Yankees.

“I love being here,” Molina said. “I love being a Cardinal. We made a good deal. It won’t change anything, I’m going to play hard like I always do.”

Right-hander Todd Wellemeyer is the last St. Louis player remaining in arbitration. He asked for a raise from $635,000 to $1,325,000 and was offered $875,000.

Wuertz bolsters Cubs bullpen

CHICAGO- Right-hander Michael Wuertz and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday on an $860,000, one-year contract.

Wuertz stranded 33 of 38 inherited runners (86.8 percent), second in the NL behind teammate Carlos Marmol (87.8 percent), while going 2-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 73 relief appearances. Wuertz is 12-6 with one save and a 3.56 ERA in 220 relief appearances since making his major league debut in 2004. He had asked for a raise from $415,000 to $975,000 in arbitration and had been offered $750,000.

Sox looking to add closer Dotel

CHICAGO – Right-hander Octavio Dotel is in talks with the White Sox on a multiyear contract that could make him the club’s closer.

Dotel hopes to get something done soon. Dotel spent last season with the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves but was limited to only 33 appearances and 30.2 innings because of a shoulder injury. He went 2-1 with a 4.11 ERA and was dealt from Kansas City to Atlanta.

Dotel underwent reconstructive elbow surgery in 2005. He has 82 career saves in nine major league seasons.