In a pair of expected moves, the Twins have exercised their $5.25 million option on Jason Kubel and declined their $5 million option on Nick Punto.
Kubel had a disappointing season, but hitting .249/.323/.427 in 143 games for career-lows in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, but bringing back the 28-year-old career .271/.335/.463 hitter never seemed in doubt.
Kubel is essentially a league-average corner outfielder or designated hitter offensively and brings little to the table on defense, so $5.25 million may be a slight overpay, but the Twins will be happy with the investment if he can return to pre-2009 levels.
For most teams declining Punto’s option would have been a no-brainer, because $5 million for a 33-year-old career .247/.321/.322 hitter who can’t seem to stay healthy is crazy, but manager Ron Gardenhire absolutely adores Punto and the Twins paid him $4 million in each of the past two seasons. Utility infielders like Punto are typically available every offseason for $1 million or so, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Twins bring him back at a lesser salary.
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- BC - Oct 29, 2010 at 12:22 PM
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So the headline should be, “Punto Punted”….
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- kander013 - Oct 29, 2010 at 12:26 PM
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It was such a nice change at the end of the year, not watching that pile hit. Having a 3rd baseman (Danny Valencia) with a strong arm was also a pretty solid change.
The Twins are so full of Punto types, it’s sick. Probably because they all remind Gardenhire of himself in his playing days.
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