Hunter84: You are astute. My problem with Punto is not numbers, because, if he is a utility guy, who cares so much about numbers? My problem is with fundamentals. Starting with Tom Kelly, the Twins have rejected some pretty decent major leaguers because the “big shooters” thought they were above drills to re-enforce fundamentals. Todd Walker comes to mind. So why does Punto get a free pass on fundamentals? It’s a mystery. TK would not tolerate some of Punto’s crap, I know that. The only thing I can figure is that Gardy loves a guy who busts his tail, and Punto is a master at appearing to bust his tail, even if it means breaking every rule of fundamental baseball in the process. Diving into first is the paradigm case there.

The thing is, Tolbert (no relation to Dilbert) is both a tail buster and a fundamentally sound player, in a David Eckstein kind of way. Unlike Punto, he can hit a little (at least he won’t strike out in crucial little-ball situations). And unlike Punto, he doesn’t do bizarre histrionics to prove to a gullible manager that he is indeed busting his tail. He still has room to grow. So perhaps you send him out and give Stuey Clibourn the mandate to play him at a different position every day in Rochester, but give him 200 PAs through May and, when Punto has proven beyond a doubt that he is a AAAA player, you bring Tolbert up and eat Punto’s salary like you ate Batista’s and Ponson’s before him.

Go-Go is simply awesome. I’m taking him in my fantasy draft out of blind loyalty and optimism so he better be the opening day CF……

Tolbert would be nice as the utility guy. I like Punto, but he’s kinda like a Tyner. A good player to have for minimum salary, but not worth 2.4 million per year on a cash smart club. If Tolbert can fill the role for $300,000 he is the guy.