MLB

• Twins sign OF Span to five-year contract

  
  

  Fort Myers, FL (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins announced the signing of outfielder Denard Span to a five-year, $16.5 million contract on Saturday.

  The deal also includes a $9 million club option for the 2015 season.

  Span hit .311 in his first full major-league season in 2009, finishing in the top-10 in the American League, and he also tied for first in the junior circuit with 10 triples.

  The 26-year-old speedster also swiped 23 bases, scored 97 runs, roped 16 doubles and drove in 68 runs with eight homers over 145 games. His 40 infield hits were third most in the majors.

  Originally selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2002 draft by Minnesota, Span has a .305 average in 238 career games with 32 doubles, 17 triples, 14 home runs, 115 RBI and a .390 on-base percentage.

  03/13 13:06:39 ET