This image about sums up my view of Nick:
Fuzzy; At Best. After a couple of years of watching Punto play, I am still not sure what to make of him. It’s not as if I haven’t seen enough of his innings to make a judgement, he has been a Twins regular for a couple of years. Nick has a great glove, and a frustrating bat1. His bat is frustrating because it lacks consistency. Sometimes its seems like he knows the strike zone well and can walk at will, other times he’ll pop out on a bunt. The problem being that you never know which Punto you’re going to get. When he’s at the plate, most fans don’t trust him, and who can blame them?
On the other hand, I’m a sucker for web gems. I’m not sure I’ve seen anyone who works harder to get on highlight reels than Punto. Some of the things he does in the field are amazing, and I think if push comes to shove, I’d choose watching a great defensive play over a great at bat. Punto provides more of the former, but for me thats okay because apparently I’m a sucker for fancy glove work. If Nick can somehow level out his hitting to become an average, or just below average hitter, I think he would be a lot more popular in Twins circles. But until that happens, I’m happy to watch him in the field, even if I have to change the channel during his at bats.
It’s not like Gardy is running Tol-Bot out there everyday . . . yet2.
I reserve the right to change my mind after reading all the other Nick Punto Day Posts.