Fri 1/18/13 1:47 PM

Tigers avoided arbitration with C Alex Avila by agreeing to a one-year, $2.95 million contract. Avila was eligible for arbitration for the first time this winter. The backstop hit a disappointing .243/.352/.384 with nine homers in 2012 while dealing with knee issues. He could bounce back in 2013 if he stays healthy.