Twins pick up Kubel's option, not Punto's

Kubel will make $5.25 million in 2011. Punto gets a $500,000 buyout instead of his $5 million option, but could return to the team at a vastly reduced price.

over 1 year ago Luke in MN 12 comments 0 recs |

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Punto is still worth the minimum

He’s slightly better than Matt Tolbert.

They can still trade Kubel.

by DJL44 on Oct 29, 2010 12:09 PM EDT reply actions

I wonder if he would sign for the minimum

I doubt it. He’ll want at least $1 million, I’m thinking. Whether he gets it is an open question. But lots of people thought he’d get offers for $3 million earlier this year. IMO, no thanks if it’s more than the minimum. He might be slightly better than Tolbert, but not that much better, especially since he’s on the steep downward slope of his career, and Tolbert is getting better, both by age and numbers.

That said, we should get a veteran MFA to replace Punto. Every year, there are a dozen guys sitting around waiting for a job.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Oct 29, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Good idea

Punto for 1 year at the minimum is a stopgap. They need to find a 26 year old version that can stick around a few years.

by DJL44 on Oct 29, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

No surprises

Most of us saw this coming. Hopefully, Kubel can have a solid bounce back year and good luck to Punto where ever he goes.

by Gunnarthor on Oct 29, 2010 12:39 PM EDT reply actions

We have Tolbert

We don’t need Punto.

Gardy keeps 4 on his bench for the most part anyways… No reason to add 2 futility infielders to the mix. I’d rather take that spot and go after a RH bat that hits lefties well and has a decent glove in the OF…

by diehardtwinsfan on Oct 29, 2010 1:50 PM EDT reply actions

I feel comfortable...

with a combination of Tolbert/Harris/Plouffe/Hughes as MI utility guys. But I’m not sure the FO does.

If not, I’d love to see Jesse’s idea of Felipe Lopez on the cheap.

by DJSkillz on Oct 29, 2010 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

I know its a common name, but I can't resist

by DavidRF on Oct 29, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I remember buying into the hype, too...

thought he’d be a stud.

by DJSkillz on Oct 29, 2010 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

If LNP leaves

The Twins Grit Factor will drop exponentially.

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"I've made baseball as much fun as doing your taxes!" -Bill James

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Oct 29, 2010 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

the replacement grit guys have been training for this day

LNP’s apprentice Tolbert has now become the master. And Butera is about 100 times grittier than Mauer could ever hope to be. LNP may be gone, but true grit will never die!

This was a triumph
I'm making a note here - huge success

by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Oct 29, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions