Twins avoid arbitration, bring back catcher Drew Butera for $700,000

The Minnesota Twins announced Thursday they have avoided arbitration with catcher Drew Butera, who will earn $700,000 in 2013.

This offseason marked Butera's first as an arbitration-eligible player. He is eligible for free agency in 2017. MLB's current minimum wage is $480,000.

Butera is regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, but in 531 career plate appearances he is hitting just .183/.232/.265 with five home runs.

Along with Butera, the Twins also have four other catchers on the 40-man roster -- Joe Mauer, Ryan Doumit, Chris Herrmann and Josmil Pinto.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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