Twins General Manager Terry Ryan on Friday gave many reasons for the decision to sign Ryan Doumit to a two-year, $7 million contract extension.
"He seems like a good fit to this club," Ryan said. "He's here early. He's good in the clubhouse. Knock on wood, but he's been durable; you can put him out there. He's got versatility. He can DH. He's in the right league, for sure. He's got some sock in his bat.
"I guess all the reasons we signed him in the first place have graduated into having him hang around here. And he felt the same way. That made it easy for this thing to come around."
Doumit, 31, is batting .271 with seven homers and 32 RBI. He has caught, played in the outfield, been the designated hitter and even played first base once this season. His presence frees Joe Mauer up to play first or be the DH when he needs to. Doumit's skills fit the Twins well.
"So I'll bring my 19 gloves with me and keep working," Doumit said. "Whenever I can get in the lineup. The bottom line is this is where I wanted to be and I'm very excited to know this is where I'll be for the next couple years."
Doumit will receive $3.5 million in 2013 and '14. It's a good deal for the Twins, who will need money to address roster shortcomings this offseason. He is making $3 million this season after signing as a free agent following seven seasons with the Pirates and jumped at the chance to stick around two more years.
"The last couple days, it was brought to my attention they were interested in bringing me back, which was very flattering, obviously," Doumit said. "The feeling was mutual. I called my agent. I said, 'Let's get something done.'
"I love being here. It's a great situation for me. It's a great clubhouse. There's a great group of guys here. I'm excited to be here. There's no doubt in my mind we're gonna right this ship and I'm glad to know I'll be aboard when we do."
