The Twins and right handed pitcher Livan Hernandez have entered into a one year contract for the 2008 season. The deal is worth $5million with an additional $2 million for performance bonuses. Believing that he will be an asset for the team, the Twins committed between $5 million and $7 million. He is expected to take the spot of Santana.

Livan Hernandez, the two-time All Star, led the majors in 32 complete games and with more than 1,837 innings over the past eight years. He is 134-128 with a 4.25 ERA in 350 career starts. Going 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA in 33 starts for Arizona Diamondbacks, he made $7 million last year.

This two-time All Star has previously played with the Florida Marlins (1996-1999), San Francisco Giants (1999-2002), Montreal Expos (2003-2004), the Washington Nationals (2005-2006) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (2006-2007). Turning 33, Hernandez will become the only expected Twins starter over the age of 26.