Nick Punto

2013

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2012

Punto was a good soldier in his first year with the Cardinals, playing at three infield positions and pinch-hitting 15 times. His 63 games and 133 at-bats were his fewest since 2004, but that could be because of three different stints on the DL, all for different ailments, and that doesn't even include the elbow injury that was miraculously cured when Punto purposely threw the ball as hard as he could. He's in the twilight of his career, but his lack of power and speed didn't stop the Red Sox from signing him to a two-year deal in December after Jed Lowrie was shipped to Houston. He's still seen as a plus fielder at three different infield positions.

2011

Punto began last season as Minnesota's starting third baseman, but moved to a utility role as he struggled at the plate and spent significant time on the DL with hip and hamstring injuries. He's actually improved his walk rate the past two seasons, but it hasn't helped him increase his batting average and his lack of power hurts his chances to win a starting job. He's best suited for a utility role since he's seen as a premium defender at three positions. He offers steals for fantasy purposes, but carries batting average risk if he's given significant at-bats. He'll likely have a utility role with the Cardinals, but could win a starting role at some point given that no one in the infield - other than Albert Pujols of course - has a lock on an everyday job.

2010

Punto began last season as Minnesota's starting shortstop, but lost the job amid a regression at the plate - only later to emerge as the team's starting second baseman. Although his batting average was an ugly .228, there are some reasons to think he can turn things around. His batting average on balls in play was just .281. A similar low BABIP plagued him in 2007 and he bounced back in 2008 at the plate when he got more luck. Punto also took a career-high 67 walks last year and significantly improved his eye at the plate. He'll enter 2010 as either the starter or in a platoon at third base, but may be best suited for a utility role since he's seen as a premium defender at three positions. However he's used, he offers steals for fantasy purposes, but carries batting average risk if he's given significant at bats.

2009

Punto rebounded from one of the worst seasons at the plate in major league history in 2007 to take over the starting shortstop job and nearly duplicate his 2006 breakout season at the plate. Punto barely avoided becoming just the fifth player in 32 years to qualify for the batting title and hit below .200 in 2007, but last year cut down on his strikeouts and showed a lot more power. In retrospect, his poor 2007 season may have had as much to do with bad luck on balls in play (a .257 average on balls in play, almost 50 points below his career average). He started the year in a utility role, but ended the season as the starting shortstop. He may be best suited for a utility role, however, since he's seen as a premium defender at three positions and would be less of a potential liability at the plate. He'll offer steals as Minnesota's starting shortstop, but carries significant batting average risk.

2008

Punto will move back to a utility role with the Twins this season after he showed his 2006 breakout season as a starter at third base was likely a fluke. He barely avoided becoming just the fifth player in 32 years to qualify for the batting title and hit below .200 as the Twins somehow kept giving him playing time despite his troubles at the plate. While he played with a slightly strained oblique muscle after June, Punto fell back into old habits at the plate by failing to take pitches and swinging too often (a career-high 90 strikeouts). Punto's real value is with his glove, as he's seen as a premium defender at three infield positions. His speed does give him fantasy value in a reserve role, but beware of his batting average risk if he lands regular playing time.

2007

Punto had a breakout season and enters 2007 as the everyday third baseman for the Twins. He changed his approach at the plate in spring training after working with Rod Carew, focusing on taking more pitches and making better contact. It paid off with a career-high OBP and drop in strikeouts. He also played solid defense at third base, a position that had been a problem for Minnesota since Corey Koskie left town. However, there are some reasons to think he may not be able to duplicate his numbers. His OBP declined in the second half (.383 before the break, .332 after) and he hit lefties (.797 OPS) better than righties (.685 OPS). He could be platooned at third base if he has any setbacks at the plate. However, his fantasy value is boosted by his speed on the basepaths and that he'll qualify at shortstop, third base and possibly second base in many leagues.

2006

Punto can't shake off his injury-prone label as he missed 50 games with hamstring, thumb and calf injuries. With the trade for Luis Castillo, Punto should be used in utility role after he was used at times last season as the everyday starter at second base. While his playing time will decrease, the Twins did show more confidence in his base-stealing abilities late last season as he stole eight bases the final two months once he was fully healthy. He could provide cheap steals in a utility role as a result.

2005

Punto will be Minnesota's primary utility infielder with an outside chance to contend for a starting job at second base or shortstop this spring. Punto missed the final two months of the season with a broken collarbone, but is expected to be ready this spring. He could be a source of cheap steals if he wins significant playing time.

2004

Punto got a chance to start with the injuries to Placido Polanco, David Bell and Tomas Perez. Traded to the Twins in the Eric Milton deal, he likely has a shorter path to playing time, backing up Cristian Guzman and Luis Rivas.

2003

Punto, 25, saw most of his action at Class AAA Scranton in 2002, hitting .271 in 443 AB while stealing 42 bases. Punto has had a couple of stints with the big league club, but never sees enough time to make his speed work for him. He may hang with the Phillies as a pinch-hitter and runner.