(AFP) – Feb 12, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AFP) — The Minnesota Twins added experience to their rotation Tuesday, signing free agent pitcher Livan Hernandez to a one-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but MLB.com reported that the deal has a base value of five million dollars with a possible two million dollars in bonuses.

The Cuban right-hander went 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA last season with the National League West champion Arizona Diamondbacks.

But despite being considered one of the top available free agent pitchers available this offseason, the two-time All-Star was signed just five days before pitchers and catchers report to spring training for the Twins.

Hernandez has logged at least 200 innings in nine of the last 10 seasons. He owns a career record of 134-128 with a 4.25 ERA in 351 career games with four different teams.

The 12-year veteran, who turns 33 later this month, will be counted on to provide leadership for a Twins rotation which lost three starters this offseason.

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