Clarifying My Stance on Nick Punto
Written by Andrew Kneeland   
Tuesday, 10 November 2009 17:35
I’ve said in the past that Nick Punto needs to start. I’m perhaps the biggest supporter of Punto, and I’ve received my fair share of flak for taking that stance. So, in tidy bullet-point form, I will lay out my views on the Punto Situation.

  • If our Opening Day roster looks like the current roster, Punto needs to start at second base. This would force Gardy to put either Joe Mauer or Punto in the No. 2 position in the lineup. Neither are ideal No. 2 hitters, but that is beside the point.

  • If Minnesota signs a second-baseman, Punto needs to start at third base and the Twins need to let Joe Crede walk freely. Providing the new second-baseman is capable of hitting in the No. 2 position in the batting order, this is the most desirable option.

  • When Danny Valencia is ready to take over at the Hot Corner, Punto should be relegated to a utility role off the bench. I am perfectly fine with Punto on the bench most days only if there are better options in front of him.

  • I believe the Twins need to sign a second-baseman capable of batting second, which would leave Punto at third base, keeping the bag warm for Valencia.



Digg! Reddit! Facebook! Technorati! StumbleUpon! BallHype: hype it up!
Comments (4)Add Comment
...
written by fetch9, November 10, 2009
I think Mauer absolutely should be the #2 hitter. There's a lot of research that suggests your best hitter should be your #2 hitter.
Sure
written by andrewkneeland, November 10, 2009
He is the best No. 2 option we currently have on the roster.
Nay Punto!
written by Goose, November 10, 2009
Punto as a number 2 hitter in any scenario barring world war is distressing, sir!
Mauer is NOT a number two hitter
written by TT, November 10, 2009
"There's a lot of research that suggests your best hitter should be your #2 hitter.?"

Only if one's research involves reading various blogs. There is no actual research that shows you should bat a guy who hits 30 home runs in the number two spot. You want as many runners as possible on base when he pops one out.

Write comment

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy
< Prev   Next >
 

Search

Contact

Andrew Kneeland can be reached by emailing: akneeland [at] bleacherreport [dot] com.
minor league musings

Connect With Us!

twitter facebook

About Bloguin

Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.

Advertisers

The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.

Bloggers Wanted

The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.

The Bloguin Login

The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!