St. Louis, MO (My Sportsbook) - The St. Louis Cardinals re-signed pitcher Mark Mulder to a two-year pact that includes a club option for the 2009 season.

Mulder went 16-8 for the Cardinals in 2005 before dropping to 6-7 last year in an injury plagued-season that forced him to undergo rotator cuff surgery on September 12.

His 94 wins since the 2001 season rank third among all left-handers behind just Randy Johnson (101) and Barry Zito (95).

Mulder, 29, owns a career mark of 103-57 with a 4.11 ERA.

"Mulder's return will be a real boost to our rotation," stated Cardinals' general manager Walt Jocketty. "We've seen what he is capable of when healthy. Mark is very determined to return to his All-Star form."

The Cardinals also signed righthanded pitcher Ryan Franklin to a one-year deal.

The 34-year old Franklin split the 2006 season between Philadelphia and Cincinnati, appearing in a career-high 66 games while going a combined 6-7 with a 4.54 ERA.

Franklin has compiled a career mark of 41-57 with a 4.35 ERA in 247 games, including 106 games started.

"Ryan's a durable pitcher who can help us in a number of ways," said Jocketty. "We'll bring him to camp and see where he is best suited to help our staff."

To complete a busy day of signings, the Cardinals agreed to minor league deals outfielder Rick Ankiel and infielder Jolbert Cabrera.