"The Cardinals and utility fielder Alex Cora have agreed on a minor-league deal that will allow the veteran to serve as both competition and mentor for the club's group of less-experienced infielders.

The team plans to announce the deal with Cora, 36, this afternoon. The deal will come with an invitation to spring training, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed.

Cora hit .224 for the Washington Nationals in 2011 while appearing at all four positions in the infield. He was considering a move to coaching -- a role the Cardinals see him holding while vying for a spot on the major-league bench."