Twins sign Doumit to two-year extension

MINNEAPOLIS The Minnesota Twins on Friday signed catcher Ryan Doumit to a two-year contract extension. Doumit, who originally signed a one-year deal prior to this season, will make 3.5 million a year in 2013 and 2014.Though the contract extension comes halfway into Doumit's first season with the Twins, the eight-year veteran felt comfortable in Minnesota's clubhouse from the beginning of spring training."I knew I wanted to (stay) essentially on Day 1," Doumit said. "The last couple days it was brought to my attention they were interested in bringing me back, which was very flattering, obviously. 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."In 59 games prior to Friday's series opener against Kansas City, Doumit is batting .271 with seven homers, 32 RBI and 22 runs. His versatility was originally appealing to the Twins, as he can move all over the field to different positions. Though he's primarily been used as a catcher and designated hitter, the 31-year-old Doumit has also spent time in right field and at first base for Minnesota this year."Whenever I can get in the lineup," Doumit said. "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 spent his first seven seasons in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates after they took him in the second round of the 199 draft. He made his debut in 2005 and hit .271 with 67 homers and 266 RBI in seven seasons. During that time, though, Doumit never played for a Pirates team with a winning record.The Twins are currently 30-44, which means Doumit is potentially on his way to his eighth losing season in eight years. But he's confident Minnesota will turn things around while he's in a Twins uniform."It's a great clubhouse. There's a great group of guys here," Doumit said. "I'm excited to be here. There's no doubt in my mind we're going to right this ship, and I'm glad to know I'll be aboard when we do."Follow Tyler Mason on Twitter.