Twins, Casilla avoid arbitration with deal

Published 9:04 am Thursday, February 16, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins and second baseman Alexi Casilla have agreed on a one-year contract for $1,382,500 to avoid an arbitration hearing.

The deal was done Wednesday.

The Twins offered $1,065,000, and Casilla asked for $1,750,000. His salary was $865,000 last season. The Twins haven’t gone to an arbitration hearing with a player since Kyle Lohse in 2006 and 2005. Casilla was the Twins’ last remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible player this year.

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Casilla is in line to start with veteran newcomer Jamey Carroll at shortstop. Casilla can play both middle infield positions.

The 27-year-old Casilla hurt his right hamstring and played in only one game last season after July 27. He batted .260 in 323 at-bats with 21 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 21 RBIs.