I'm not sold on Nick Punto as the Twins' third baseman. His offensive numbers started to drop toward the end of the season, and I can't imagine him hitting effectively all next year in the second spot in the order. Is there any chance of the Twins picking up a real third baseman and moving Punto back to utility? Isn't Nomar Garciaparra going to be a free agent again? Didn't they like him a year ago?
-- Matt N., Arlington, Va.
Matt, you might not be sold on Punto, but it looks like you are one of a minority. Many people questioned the move earlier in the season, but now many, like myself, seem to think that Punto has made a strong case for returning to the spot. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire stated that he would be very happy to return next season with the same infield -- giving a huge boost to the chances that Punto could likely return to the spot for the 2007 season. Not only does Punto provide a strong defensive presence at the position, he also gave the club speed at the top of the lineup and a much more dependable bat than had been expected. In his first real stretch of being an everyday player, Punto also proved that he could remain healthy after struggling in previous years with injuries.
While third base might be an area that the Twins explore this offseason if there seems to be a player available that fits the clubs needs, it doesn't appear that they will stray from Punto at the position.
The Cubs recently signed Lou Piniella to be their manager and Piniella has already stated that he would like to see A-Rod wearing a Cubbies jersey. With that, I have heard that Aramis Ramirez could be on the market. Could the Twins have any interest in picking up an All Star with a huge bat at third base?
-- Nick A., Anoka, Minn.
Ramirez has a clause in his contract that would allow him to become a free agent just two years into a four-year deal. To say that the Twins wouldn't be interested in picking up an All-Star of Ramirez's caliber would be ridiculous, but in all reality, Ramirez isn't a legitimate option for the club. There are supposedly at least 7-10 teams that Ramirez's agent Paul Kinzer feels are interested in the possible free agent, making him one of the more sought after players this offseason. That doesn't bode well for the Twins if they are interested in the player, considering the type of payday that could be in Ramirez's future.
Phil Nevin seemed to be a good fit in the clubhouse in the month he was with the team, as well as a nice right-handed bat off the bench. Is there any chance the Twins bring him back in a similar role, or will he go elsewhere for a more prominent role in an everyday lineup?
-- Wes F., Eau Claire, Wis.
Wes, the Twins were looking for a temporary bat to fill in the lineup when they acquired Nevin in August from the Cubs. The fit in the clubhouse certainly proved to be a good one, but Nevin didn't quite produce in a way that would suggest that the club would try to keep him around. Nevin was more of a role player, and considering the fact that the Twins have plenty of strong right-handed bats, it seems that he will be playing with another club next season.
Phil Nevin likely won't return to the Twins for the 2007 season. (Gail Burton/AP)
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