From the Associated Press:
PHOENIX - Michael Cuddyer and the Minnesota Twins agreed to terms Thursday on a $3.575 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration minutes before their hearing was scheduled at a Phoenix hotel.
The deal also includes a $50,000 bonus if Cuddyer gets at least 650 plate appearances in 2007. After making $1.35 million last season and posting career-best numbers in his first full season as a regular, Cuddyer asked for $4.25 million and the Twins offered $3 million. The two sides were together in a room waiting to argue their cases before the three-person panel, when they walked out and settled in the hall.
Batting cleanup between catcher Joe Mauer, the AL's batting champ, and first baseman Justin Morneau, the AL's most valuable player, Cuddyer hit .284 with 24 homers, 109 RBIs and 102 runs scored. His 11 outfield assists were tied for third in the league.
Minnesota had six players eligible for arbitration this year, but settled on contracts with each of them without going to a hearing. Twins pitchers and catchers are required to report to spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., by Sunday with the full squad due by Feb. 23.
Posted by twayn at February 15, 2007 05:46 PMYay Cuddy! The gang's all back :)
Posted by: Newton at February 15, 2007 07:59 PMCould you all hear me sigh with relief.
Ever since I saw him smile at the season opener pep rally in 2004 I found my boyfriend (he didn't get to start that game but did get in to play that day). 2006 was a tough season for me, and the joy of watching him begin to hit and find his grove last year was just wonderful.
Buying his jersey in 2004 was a smart thing to do.
Now if only they would have made it a multi year deal.
Spring training here we come!!!
Posted by: Sandee at February 15, 2007 07:59 PMYes, way to go TR, under the wire as usual, but great non-the less!
Posted by: Twin-X at February 15, 2007 09:24 PMThat should read "2005 was a tough season"
2006 was a good one.
Thats funny how they wasted the trip and settled it just minutes before the hearing!
Posted by: TwinsTerritory at February 15, 2007 10:23 PMEven though you didn't ask for a caption on this picture and the unofficial contest isn't going on today I want to put a caption in anyway.
MC: "Man I hit the $%#& out of that ball. That's going to get me paid. I am thinking 3.575 mil perhaps."
Posted by: bc twins fan at February 16, 2007 09:08 AMOMG OMG. you do not know how happy this makes me. i am so so so excited. yay i cant wait till april! :]]
Posted by: naomilovescuddy at February 21, 2007 11:12 AMLegoVision for 2007? PLLLLEEEAAAASSSSEEEE! :D
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