Twins, Perkins avoid arbitration

WAHPETON, N.D. — The Twins and left-hander Glen Perkins avoided arbitration today, as they agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.55 million, according to a Major League source familiar with the negotiations.

Perkins, 28, had a career year in 2011, posting a 2.48 ERA with 65 strikeouts, 21 walks and just two homers allowed in 61 2/3 innings. He made $700,000 last season.

Left-hander Francisco Liriano and second baseman Alexi Casilla are also eligible for arbitration, with the deadline for exchanging contracts today at noon CT.

Liriano, who posted a 5.09 ERA with 112 strikeouts, 75 walks and 14 homers allowed in 134 1/3 innings in ‘11, avoided arbitration last season by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $4.3 million. And Casilla also avoided arbitration last year, signing a one-year, $865,000 contract. He batted .260 with a .322 on-base percentage and .368 slugging percentage in 97 games in ’11.

The Twins have avoided arbitration hearings in recent years, as they haven’t gone to an arbitration hearing with a player since going to arbitration in 2005 and 2006 with Kyle Lohse.