Why is Punto in the Majors still?

[Quackaddict9]

Valencia- First double last night...maybe a good sign? I was at the game last night and was impressed with Target Field and man these guys with the Long Haul Bombers can hit bombs! I know it's softball but not many can hit it 450+ (the last one went mid upper deck)

[Stratosman]

It is an awsome place..

THe Bombers aren't using a 40 core ball though. It's like a golfball. But with that being said I used to play against one of the guys on that team and he would destroy every pitch, it was ridiculous. And scary for our pitcher.

And Punto isn't and shouldn't go anywhere, he fills a vital role on our team, a role nobody else in our system could do. Everyone want's every player to hit .325 with 30 hr's. It's not reality.

[zamboni]

Gotta remember one thing about Nick as well, he has been on the DL in his career with us what, once? After Crede, now Hardy, Hudson and a few others that have spent most of their careers as a Twin on it- quit whining!!

I have said it a few times on here, and I will say it again- the Twins made a HUGE mistake letting Orlando Cabrera go. HUGE. Game 163 and his HR to everything else he did in the short time he was here was excellent. Him and Cuddyers second half practically single handedly got us into the play-offs last year.

[Harmonica Bear]

Rose colored glasses?

He's got a history.

April 23, 2010 Placed on 15-day DL (placed on 15-day DL)

May 29, 2009 Placed on 15-day DL (placed on 15-day DL)

June 05, 2008 Placed on 15-day DL (placed on 15-day DL)

May 10, 2008 Placed on 15-day DL (placed on 15-day DL)

Associated Press (19 days ago)

Twins third baseman Nick Punto is back in the lineup for Friday night's game against Texas after missing much of the past four games with a strained left ring finger.

Associated Press (54 days ago)

The Twins have placed infielder Nick Punto on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hip flexor.

Associated Press (61 days ago)

Minnesota Twins third baseman Nick Punto has a sore groin muscle and will sit out for a game or two.

[DonBo]

Sorry, that ain't much of a history in the seven years he's been here. Even in '08 with being on the DL twice, he still played in 99 games AS A UTILITY GUY. With the only exception of his first year here he's played in at least 125 games, again, AS A UTILITY GUY. Pretty healthy if you ask me.

[zamboni]

Look at the guys I mentioned, not even half way through the season, and they have both missed more than 45 days combined. And remember, those 2 guys we acquired were supposed to be our golden ticket back to the WS. not working out too good

[greebs]

no it's not working out too good. team needs them to get heathy. .500 record since hudson has been out of lineup.

[PierBridge]

Quote:

and I'm going to take this opportunity to give punto the kudo's that I think he's deserving of. he's shown his value to this team these past couple weeks

He's shown his value to this team since the day he became a Twin. I do get the fair weather fan who just looks at the batting average will disagree and continue to struggle with this. That's OK, I still know a lot people who were cut from there 7th grade little league team and don't know how to factor in intangibles to the over-all team effort. "not u greebs"....

Punto is Stud so just deal with it guys!

[zamboni]

Love 'em, Hate 'em- Punto and Cuddyer move around just as much if not more than anyone in the majors and can play pretty much anywhere needed. That is very valuable. Although he has never done it, but in case he would ever be needed, I bet Punto could fill in out in the OF.

[Coach1310]

Punto's value is impossible to quantify because there aren't statistics to show his contribution. His ability to be the best defender on the field no matter where you play him is super valuable. You just have to take him for what he is.... a great defensive player and a .230 hitter.... If you need to quantify his contribution.... start adding the runs he saves us, to the runs he scores.... there are plenty of them!

[PierBridge]

Good stuff Coach....

Punto's up to .255 on the season and is hitting .376 in his last 10 games.

[Zelmsdawg]

I'm not sure how many of you have played ball, but I personally would much rather have a guy on the team who may hit .200 but puts it in play and can lay down the bunt when it counts while playing any position than someone who hits 40 jacks but strikes out 100+ times and is handicapped to one position

Zelmsdawg

[beer batter]

I'm not sure how many of you have played ball, but I personally would much rather have a guy on the team who may hit .200 but puts it in play and can lay down the bunt when it counts while playing any position than someone who hits 40 jacks but strikes out 100+ times and is handicapped to one position

Zelmsdawg

Sounds like a Punto vs Thome comparison. I'd take Punto as well.

[greebs]

I'm not sure how many of you have played ball, but I personally would much rather have a guy on the team who may hit .200 but puts it in play and can lay down the bunt when it counts while playing any position than someone who hits 40 jacks but strikes out 100+ times and is handicapped to one position

Zelmsdawg

every team can use both of these types of players. the first guy you mention is quite often labeled "utility player". the second guy you mention is usually playing in the all star game. but both players have value for a team.

[SledNeck]

Punto has a higher OBP than Cuddy!

[zamboni]

Punto has a higher OBP than Cuddy!

If Cuddyer is ever murdered, I bet the first person the cops interview is you

[SledNeck]

If Cuddyer is ever murdered, I bet the first person the cops interview is you

no way. I think Cuddy would look great in a Pirates uniform.

[zamboni]

See Puntos play in the 8th today? Very Nice.

[hcmpls1]

When Hardy comes back and with Cuddyer fitting in perfectly fine and permanently at third, there will be no room for Punto but the bench... Finally!

[Coach1310]

I don't think there is much of a chance at Cuddy becoming the 3rd baseman. If, God forbid, we make the World Series and are on the road in the NL, maybe, but I can't see it. Right now, I'd rather have Punto at short than Hardy. Average isn't much different and I will take Punto's grit and Defense anyday.

[zamboni]

When Hardy comes back and with Cuddyer fitting in perfectly fine and permanently at third, there will be no room for Punto but the bench... Finally!

They said it today during the game, when Hardy comes back, Punto will be shifted to third and Cuddyer will be back in RF. Who knows how long Hardy will be healthy though.

[gatorslayer]

Punto has one of the best gloves in the majors, Cuddyer sucks at third, the only reason he has a job in right is because of his arm...oh and by the way, don't ya just love "Cuddy" at the plate with runners on...not...every pitcher in the league knows to pitch him low and outside, he'll swing every time.

[mnwild]

Punto has one of the best gloves in the majors, Cuddyer sucks at third, the only reason he has a job in right is because of his arm...oh and by the way, don't ya just love "Cuddy" at the plate with runners on...not...every pitcher in the league knows to pitch him low and outside, he'll swing every time.

Anyone on the Twins roster with runners on base is just pathetic so don't point at Cuddy only. I would rather have his bat minus his defense playing 3rd base then anyone else. With him at 3rd its opens up Kubel playing in right and Thome at DH. My opionion, Thome should be the everyday DH why else did they bring him in here.

[PierBridge]

Punto's hitting .311 for the month 2nd on the team behind Delmon Young's .324

[SledNeck]

lookie lookie who is leading the Twins in RBIs