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03/13/2004 7:37 PM ET
Notes: Punto gets rave reviews
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By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com |
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| Nick Punto was acquired from the Philllies in the offseason and is hitting .412 this spring. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Saturday's game: Twins 5, Dodgers 4
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Utility infielder Nick Punto only knows how to play baseball one way.
Hard. Everyday. Every play.
"I just figure that after every game, if I'm not exhausted 100 percent, that I might not have done my job or played as well as I could," Punto said.
The Twins knew of Punto's hard-nosed style when they acquired him from the Phillies this winter in the Eric Milton trade. Manager Ron Gardenhire heard more of the same from Philadelphia manager Larry Bowa.
But seeing the 26-year-old up close has left an even better impression.
"He runs the balls out, hustling, busting his butt," Gardenhire said. "I like to see that. He's worked hard in camp."
Punto is hitting .412 (7-for-17) this spring, and has dazzled as much in the field. Playing shortstop Friday during a double to left field, he nailed a perfect relay throw to gun down a runner at home plate. Playing third base in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Dodgers, he chased down a runner and prevented him from scoring during a rundown.
"Bowa said he was a gamer," Gardenhire said. "He would be able to play every day for you if you needed. You can see what he can do. He can absolutely fly. He has a very strong arm. He has all the tools to be a starting player in this league."
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