Punto to the Padres?
December 5, 2008
Utility Infielder Nick Punto
There are a lot of shortstops on the market now and the Twins have two free agents at that position this year. Everett is already in talks with the Tigers and Nick Punto has been in talks with the Twins.
The Twins seem to not have any priority in signing Everett at this point and have instead focused their attention on Nick Punto. Punto was a starter for the Twins for four years, but has taken on the role of utility infielder as of late.
With the market saturated with shortstops, it isn’t real likely that San Diego is too worried about filling the position right away, but the Twins might just want to step up the negotiations with Punto. There has not been a lot of interest for Punto so far this season. Other then the Twins, only the Phillies and the Mets have showed interest thus far, but all three teams are looking at Punto as a utility infielder and not a starter. The Twins negotiations with Punto have started, but they are slow at this time.
Although it is not likely, the San Diego could look to pick up Punto to fill the void this season. Nick is from the San Diego area and would likely fall into the salary range that the Padres are looking for. He has been a starter for four years and his 2008 numbers are better then the outgoing Khalil Greene who struggled offensively in 2008. If the 31 year old Punto is looking to get a little closer to home as he nears the end of his career, this looks like an opportunity for both San Diego and Nick Punto.
