Major League Baseball

Laird returns to Tigers

Published Nov. 18, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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Catcher Gerald Laird is returning to the Detroit Tigers, agreeing to a $1 million, one-year contract.

Laird hit .232 with one home run and 12 RBIs in 37 games last season for the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. The 32-year-old Laird has a .241 career average with 35 homers in nine major league seasons. He was with the Tigers from 2009-10 and also has played for Texas (2003-08).

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski says the righty-hitting Laird is a ''solid complement to Alex Avila as our backup catcher.''

Laird's deal includes the same performance bonuses as his 2011 contract: $60,000 each for 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 games started as a catcher.

Detroit announced the agreement on Friday.

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