Twins, Duensing agree to one-year deal
By Nam Huynh
August 25, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Brian Duensing (52) throws to the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Left-hander Brian Duensing agreed to $1.3 million contract with the Twins to avoid salary arbitration, according to the agents of Duensing.
Duensing, 29, earned $515,000 last season and is expected to start this season in the bullpen, though he has an outside chance to earn a spot in the starting rotation. Duensing appeared in 55 games and started 11 for the Twins last season.
According to FanGraphs, an advanced statistics website, Duensing would’ve earned $5.9 million in an open free-agent market this year based on a conversion of WAR (wins above replacement) to salary of last year’s production. The previous year, the website projected a $8.1 million payday.
The Twins also avoided arbitration with catcher Drew Butera, who agreed to a one-year deal worth $700,000.