The Twins and Gardenhire do it again........

[JimmyJamesMD]

They're trying to kill me. 2 more years of non-sense, because he's a "gamer." I'm pissed now.

http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/neal/2008/12/11/nick-punto-signs-with-twins/

[Art Vandelay]

This is completely inexcusable...

[Schnoodler]

Well I was hoping for one big improvement somewhere. But at least, this team if left mostly the same should actually improve. And we did tie for first. So there is that.

[jamiche]

Part of the rationale for building a new stadium was that it would allow the Twins to compete in the free agent market. Signing Nick Punto for $8m over two years is foolish and adds no victories to the 2009 projected total. I have always been in favor of new stadiums for the Twins and Vikes, though there is no intellectual justification for the financing of these projects. However, as a Hennepin County taxpayer and a big Twins fan, I feel ripped off.

Stupid moves like this one make it more likely that the Vikes will be gone in 2012 because it makes it that much more difficult to justify public money for a new stadium.

[Omega015]

However, as a Hennepin County taxpayer and a big Twins fan, I feel ripped off.

Be careful... I said the same thing on this board before, since I too feel ripped off as a Hennepin County taxpayer, but I got destroyed for it....you'll probably get a pass since you are a fan, but we basically feel the same way.

[station19]

Good move by the Twins. I don't know why so many of you are so down on Punto. Excellent glove and arm much better hitter than given credit for. This will allow Tolbert more utility playing time.

Smith made the comment that the players were going for very high prices. That means the Twins weren't being offered much for Young, or he would be gone.

If they make any "splash" trade it will involve Young.

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

Actually, the Twins said the stadium would help keep its own FAs. And they don't have the stadium revenue yet. It doesn't come into play until 2010.

Let's see in 2012 or 2013 when the M & M contracts expire. Or when they have to sing Baker or Liriano as FAs.

[jamiche]

The Twins also said that a new building would allow them to be active in the FA market. I could be wrong, but I do believe that the Pohlad's have the net worth to spend now in anticipation of higher revenues.

Five years from now, after the glow has worn off of an outdoor ballpark in this climate, the Twins will plead poverty again when it is time to retain key players and find new talent.

[Moonlight]

Five years from now, after the glow has worn off of an outdoor ballpark in this climate, the Twins will plead poverty again when it is time to retain key players and find new talent.
And very likely true...:(

[tikited]

And very likely true...:(

When do we hear, "We need a roof, it's freaking cold...."

[Moonlight]

When do we hear, "We need a roof, it's freaking cold...."
We've had the Flex plan season tickets, which is great for flexibility but that won't be an option at the new park. We have our pick of a few different plans and options - I wonder if they'll have a "fair weather fan" option that avoids April!

[From the Barn]

Was anyone going to offer Punto anywhere near that much? If we wanted him fine, but couldn't we have done so for about $6 million less?

[jamiche]

And very likely true...:(

I try not to be cynical Moonlight but sometimes I just can't help it. :)

[WadeHokenson]

Disgusting and despicable. If I was a member of the Twins pitching staff I would be furious, knowing our offense is going to tank. We needed one impact bat--Morneau said it himself. We got another couple of years of Nick Punto. Signing Punto to be our utility guy makes sense--giving him guaranteed $8 million makes no sense. Brutal.

[WadeHokenson]

Ty Wigginton was non-tendered by the Astros, making him a free agent. Could he be a significant upgrade at 3b? RH hitter with a little pop. Although, I was in favor of the Harris/Buscher platoon at third and a new shortstop, this could work out for the Twins instead. At least Billy Smith can't blow a trade for Wigginton as a FA. Other potential candidates for bullpen help: Yhency Brazoban (could be mistaken, but I think a couple summers ago he was a youngster who lit it up), Scott Proctor (former stud for the Yankees), Daniel Cabrera...if he's cheap, take a risk on him in the 5 slot? Dream scenario: Punto+Perkins/Blackburn for Street/Barmes, but only if Cabrera turns into a stud. haha

[Schnoodler]

I had really hoped the blockbuster would have been in the middle infield as well, maybe shedding one OF in the deal. This is not as I hoped.

[alltimetwinsfan]

You all talk as though there was this big expectation of them to go out and sign some big-named free agent. This is the same thing that happens every single year. I hear all these talks about how the Twins are going to go down to the meetings and make this big splash, and every year fans are upset when it doesn't happen.

Guess what...the Twins don't make big splashes.

As was pointed out earlier, they don't have the revenue from the new stadium yet. When they do, I think we'll have a different atmosphere as far as spending. And for those in the belief that the complaints will begin not far down the road, I'm not buying it...yet. Remember again, the Twins get 0% of the revenue from suite sales in the dome, and just 35% of concessions. At the new ballpark, they get 100% of both, along with ticket sales. Even with an average attendance year of 2 million, the Twins will reap millions in premium seating and concessions. This is why ticket prices for all of you Joe-Six-Packs and Joe the Plumbers are not drastically increasing (though the elite will be able to pay more and still drink alcohol). They're reaping more revenue than ever before.

Having said all this, I too thought the re-signing of Punto was concerning, but only because of the dollar amount. I don't mind having him on the team, as I think he's a spark plug for the rest of the team, and that 8-9-1-2 order with Punto, Gomez, Span, and Casilla is an exciting one to me.

Do I think he's overpaid with this contract? YES. However, pick out a ballplayer today that isn't. If they're going to give Kerry Wood $10 million a year to pitch one inning every third night in Cleveland, I guess I'm not going to complain. Debating about ballplayer contracts is a wasteful activity, and it never gets anyone anywhere.

If anything, I think it signifies that the Twins have some money for this year to spend, and that they're probably not done. Be patient, and maybe something good will happen, be it through trade or free agency. Remember, it's only December, Twins fans, but there is good news. Spring is not far away, and then hope will spring eternal once again.