What do you do with Punto?

[DonBo]

Obviously Punto has a problem offensively, but did you see him turn that bare-handed double play the other night? The guy is flat out awesome in the field. Can you loose a guy like that?

What do you do with him? Keep him for late inning defense? Do you think winter ball, or instructional league would help him at the plate?

I think we need to keep him, but he has to do much better than .206.

[Eric Wettschreck]

His work with the leather is hard to beat. However, he swings lumber like my sister.

All off season he should be in the cage working on hitting. Maybe replaceing the joke of a hitting coach would help, also.

[Maximum12]

Punto would be an excellent utility player. Anytime he's getting more than 150-200AB per season, there's something wrong.

[fishlips]

Politely suggest that he play winter ball somewhere....he had trouble even laying down bunts this year. Twins can't afford an automatic out each time he's up to bat.

('Swings the lumber like my sister' - that was funny)

[TNFL]

The Mcdonald's in Andover is hiring!

[Scott K]

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Politely suggest that he play winter ball somewhere....he had trouble even laying down bunts this year. Twins can't afford an automatic out each time he's up to bat.

('Swings the lumber like my sister' - that was funny)

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The way I look at it is, even if he got out every single at bat, which he doesnt (close but doesnt) that would be 1 out every 9 at bats, he defensivly will give you more then 1 out per 9 bats more then your average yahoo in the infield. I reccomend batting practice, he has to get better than this year, you would think. Unless the twins are going to pay big money to replace him, then put him at 2nd, or ss, and get a good 3rd basemen, and dh. If he doent do anybetter, just use him as a defensive utility player when needed. For his price, you cant find a better defensive guy out there!

[xedge2002]

I seen that he is going to work all offseason on trying to fix his problem swinging the bat. When they move him to 2nd next year I think it will be a good thing. Defensively he is a stud, if he could even hit .250 and get his bunting straightened out he would be an adequate #8-9 guy. Now just hope they bring in a good 3rd baseman and don't go the cheapo route...does batista still play ball?

[IFallsRon]

Eat his contract and cut him.

[Cicada]

I really like seeing the guy out there. I've suggested before that they might want to try the Wilie Mays Hays form Major League on him. Is it my imagination, or does he look like he bulked up over the winter? I can't beleive he was aspiring to warning track power!

[colonel42]

He had a bad beginning to the year. His average since the break has been a little better. One year you hit almost 300 and the next 200. Next thing you know everyone and their brother are saying he's a crappy player. Like I said in a post back a few months ago I would take nine Punto's any day of the week. He needs to get with the batting coach and learn how to hammer the ball into the dirt or home plate. The guy has wheels and his main objective should be a drag butt or the Castio plate bounce.

[Flash]

Gardy said he is his starting second baseman next year. Maybe it is time for Gardy to hit the road. He must really be a great guy. Not too many major leaguers are around that can't hit .200 and are still in the starting lineup, not only this year, but already inked in for next year. It's gonna be a bad looking team for the Twins next year. I only hope that they give Rondell White a contract extention.

[First Ice-Mike]

You're looking at Punto or Casilla at 2nd next year. I'll take Punto - He is a wizard in the field - If he hits .260-.270 and draws some walks he'll be fine. He batted .290 last year, so he has the ability. Casilla is a head case - he needs another year or two for things to slow down.

FI

[DonBo]

Geez, if he hit .240 and drew afew walks he'd be fine. He's gotta figure out how to bunt though, he's been brutal this year.

[Jorgie]

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I only hope that they give Rondell White a contract extention.

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You were being sarcastic, right? Please say yes.

[UdeLakeTom]

Why didn't Kubel, Bartlett and Punto hit all year like they are in Sept?

[Jarrod32]

Because now they realize they may be fighting for a job...

[Scott M]

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He had a bad beginning to the year. His average since the break has been a little better. One year you hit almost 300 and the next 200. Next thing you know everyone and their brother are saying he's a crappy player. Like I said in a post back a few months ago I would take nine Punto's any day of the week. He needs to get with the batting coach and learn how to hammer the ball into the dirt or home plate. The guy has wheels and his main objective should be a drag bunt or the Castio plate bounce.

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Last year he was getting all infield singles, so you might be right about that.

Still, the Twins don't need another Mientkavich "saving a run a game" in the field and doing nothing at the plate. Make him utility.