Twins pick up Hunter's option

[SledNeck]

Maybe 2007 is a 40 HR 120 RBI year?

Thoughts?

[IFallsRon]

And what's the over/under on number of games he plays?

[nofishfisherman]

I'm glad they did it for 3 reasons.

1. I think he is a good player and a center fielder of his caliber is always going to cost money. the Twins finally paid up.

2. He is good with the minor leaguers, he calls them and helps them out while they are at AAA and when they come up to the big team.

3. I have his jersey and I didn't want to go buy another one with a current player, those things are pricey.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Dude, I sooooooo hear ya.

Couple years ago I bought a Jacque Jones jersey. What do I do with the darn thing now?????

[buzzsaw]

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Couple years ago I bought a Jacque Jones jersey. What do I do with the darn thing now?????

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Ship up down to Geno!!

[UdeLakeTom]

At least we know that the Twins aren't dismantling yet.

Except for releasing Tiffey and 2 other no names.

[fisherman]

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At least we know that the Twins aren't dismantling yet.

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Who thought they were going to dismantle this team?

[Willy]

A good move IMO. Next year will be our year to win. We don't need to be letting 30hr, 100rbi's, and great centerfield defense go. No matter what it costs.

Hopefully they will add a starting pitcher and another bat to DH or play LF.

[mnwild]

thats the same thing I said a last week. Would be nice if they do add another starting pitcher, 3rd baseman and a LF. I am happy they kept Hunter, if they let him go who else would you have or could sign?? I hope they sign him to a 4 year deal so he can play in the new stadium. Would like to see them lock up Morneau and Mauer to long tearm deals before its too late.

[Eric Wettschreck]

3rd baseman???? What's wrong with Punto????

[porterhouse]

I like the move!! Hunter will be in a contract year and that means good numbers.

Terry Ryan was on KFAN with Hartman this afternoon and said the Twins will be looking for starting pitching this winter.

Also he said he wants to upgrade the Bench.

Brian

[buzzsaw]

I think Castillo is getting up there in age and they would ideally like to move Punto to 2nd base and bring in a guy with more power at third base. Someone like Texiera.

[Reynolds]

I would love to have Teixera on this team, although I don't see the Twins signing him as he is a first baseman. He could definitely fill the DH role though, or you could have him as the first baseman and Morneau DH. You have to be impressed with his numbers over the last few years:

2004,.281 batting average, 38 homeruns,and 112 rbis

2005, .301 batting average, 43 homeruns, and 144 rbis

2006, .282 batting average, 33 homeruns, and 110 rbis

[TNFL]

NAY I SAY NAY

WAY to much money for a player of his caliber. Sure he got hot at the end of the year and boosted his stat, but had he played a whole season he would have hit his usual cold as ice slump. He is streaky. He has not been clutch in the past. He has lost a step in the outfield. Most of his Homers come of junk pitchers in garbage time.

I'm not saying he's not good but he is not 12 million good??????

Just my opinion.

[mnwild]

Punto in my mind is a utility player not an everyday 3rd baseman, he is the Denny Hocking of the team where he can play any position at any time. Someone mentioned Teixera, would be a very nice addition but will cost some money.

[not_nuf_time]

Sign Soriano and Zito, Three or four World Series winners in a row. I know it wont happen so don't hammer me for mentioning this, but, its really not to far out there. I heard today the Twins would probably up payrol to around 70 mill.

[nofishfisherman]

When the fans come out in crowds like they did this year the team can spend more on the players. If you want to see the Twins spend more in the future make sure you make it to as many games as possible since ticket revenue helps bring in free agents.

[fishinphilth]

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Punto in my mind is a utility player not an everyday 3rd baseman, he is the Denny Hocking of the team where he can play any position at any time.

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Not many Utility players have gold glove and bat nearly 300 type years as Punto did this year.

[Willy]

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I think Castillo is getting up there in age and they would ideally like to move Punto to 2nd base and bring in a guy with more power at third base. Someone like Texiera.

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Unlikely. I would like to see someone like Tex, but there is about zero chance of getting him. For one, Texas won't give him up. Secondly, a very young power hitting, gold glove first baseman is going to cost a boatload.

I think Castillo will be alright for a couple years yet. He still plays great defense, gets on base and hits for average. Actually this year he stole more bases than he has in his last 3 years prior too.

TR on KFAN yesterday said that people won't want to hear it, but we scored enough this year. We might have, but I don't know if everyone will come back next year and have seasons like they did this year.

He said we will be looking for starting pitching. A veteran most likely. Zito would be sweet, but I see us going out and getting a second tier type pitcher.

How about Andy Pettitte or Ted Lilly?

[UdeLakeTom]

How about Reusse's comments in Tues Strib?? Here is his wish list.

One, sign pitcher Adam Eaton, who came back from his hand injury to pitch the second half for Texas. He has talent and could thrive with Rick Anderson as his coach.

Two, sign outfielder Frank Catalanotto, a solid hitter from Toronto. He would be a No. 2 hitter and would keep them from relying on Jason Kubel, who has shown little drive to get in shape and fulfill his potential as a hitter.

Three, acquire designated hitter Eduardo Perez from Seattle. The Twins need a hitter to kill lefties. He does.

And they probably will fit into the low cost way of doing business.

[mnwild]

When did Punto get the Gold Glove?? Did they already give those awards out??

[fishinphilth]

The way I worded it was wrong I ment gold glove type year with hitting nearly 300. Didnt say he won the gold glove. He had a ton of web jems this year and only 9 or 10 errors.