The Cardinals and National League saves leader Ryan Franklin are negotiating a two-year contract extension that could allow him to end his career in St. Louis.

Franklin, 36, made the All-Star team for the first time this season, and is 34 for 36 in save opportunities with a 2-1 record and 1.07 ERA in his first full season as a closer. He had saves in 10 consecutive outings for the NL Central leaders entering last night's game against the Washington Nationals.

"He's a big reason we're in a great position right now," manager Tony La Russa said. "He's the kind of guy that I don't think is distracted by security and finances, I think he really enjoys competing and having an important job."

The right-hander is in the final season of a two-year extension he signed in July 2007 when he was the setup man for Jason Isringhausen, and the Cardinals have an $2.75 million option for 2010.

Franklin said he and the Cardinals have been talking for a couple of months about a new deal, which would replace the terms of the option year.

"It's getting pretty close," Franklin said. "Both sides are going to be happy and maybe I can finish my career here."

Franklin joined the Cardinals in 2007 hoping to compete for a spot in the rotation. He replaced Isringhausen twice last year and led the team with 17 saves in 25 chances. He took over as closer this season after rookie Jason Motte faltered.

Franklin said that if someone had suggested a few years ago that he would become a closer he'd have responded, "Are you crazy?"

"Things happen for a reason," he said. "I've always been pretty fortunate to have what my dad used to call a rubber arm, and be able to bounce back."

Scott Kazmir has been traded from Tampa Bay to Los Angeles, giving the AL West leaders a major boost to its unsteady rotation. The Angels acquired Kazmir, a two-time All-Star, for two minor leaguers and a player to be named. The left-hander was 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA this season for the Rays. Tampa Bay received left-hander Alex Torres and infielder Matt Sweeney in the deal.

Closer Trevor Hoffman was placed on waivers and claimed by another team, but Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said he had not had any trade discussions involving the career saves leader. Melvin declined to say which club claimed the 41-year-old Hoffman.

Shortstop Jose Reyes might need surgery to repair his torn right hamstring tendon. He is still getting physical therapy for the torn tendon behind his knee and has been on the disabled list since late May. Reyes has played in only 36 games this season.

Five months after open-heart surgery, third baseman Aaron Boone rejoined Houston. Boone completed a minor league rehab assignment and will be activated when major league rosters expand on Sept. 1.

Center fielder Nyjer Morgan was put on the 15-day disabled list with a broken left hand. Morgan, who hit .307 with 42 steals for the Nationals and Pirates this season, was injured while stealing a base Thursday against the Cubs.