Today Atlanta Braves flamethrower Rafael Soriano and Minnesota Twin Michael Cuddyer signed new contracts, avoiding arbitration.

Soriano signed a deal worth 9 million dollars extending over the next 2 years, and Cuddyer signed a 24 million dollar contract extending over the next 3 years.

Cuddyer had a succesful 2007 campaign for the Twins, hitting 16 home runs with 81 RBI’s with a .276 average. With the departure of Torii Hunter, the Twins’ centerfield role is wide open. Cuddyer could be a viable candidate to win the everyday job, competing against new acquisition Craig Monroe, Jason Kubel, Jason Pridie and prospect Denard Span.

Soriano took over the 2007 Atlanta closing job after veteran Bob Wickman was released and southpaw Mike Gonzalez was shutdown for the year with an injury. Soriano thrived in the role, holding batters to a .181 batting average and getting 9 saves. Only time will tell how Soriano will perform when closing for an entire season. Braves General Manager Frank Wren has high expectations for Soriano in 2008.

“We are very excited to be able to keep Rafael for two more seasons,” Wren said. “Rafael was an important part of our bullpen last year, and based on his performance over the last two seasons, he will now have an even more important role for us in 2008 as our closer.”