The Mystery of Nick Punto

I looked at the batting averages of all third base men in the majors - for the number of AB's (391) Punto's average (.199) is right at the bottom. This goes for the other positions where he is shoe horned in at every opportunity, SS and 2nd base. His at bats are for a full time every day player and we certainly know that Punto is in every game contributing his .974 fielding percentage and his .200 batting average. We know that Punto is in there with every strike out with men in scoring position. We feel his prescence each time he hits into a double play. We know that Punto is in the line up every time he tries and fails to lay down a bunt.

As the Twins continue to run minor league training camp for Punto at the Metrodome and on the road with the rest of their purported major league team - one wonders what fun house mirror Twins management is using when they look at the perfomance of players and make their choices for who plays in that night's game. By what possible criterion does it continue to make sense to put Punto into every possible game, at third base, at short stop, at second base while Nick continues to "struggle" at bat.

One can't question Punto's heart, one can question the mentality of those who continue on a daily basis to insert his dubious offensive skills into a lineup so desperately hurting for hits.