Infielder Nick Punto has signed a two-year $8.5 million contract to remain with the Twins. He’ll make $4 million in 2009 and 2010, and there’s a $5 million club option for 2011. Punto is expected to be the Twins ‘ starting shortstop in 2009.

The deal, wrapped up late last night at the Bellagio hotel, is the Twins’ biggest move during the winter meetings. Punto came to the winter meetings and spoke with 16 of the 30 teams, with three or four emerging as serious options. In the end, he was too comfortable with the Twins to leave.

Punto said he wants to help the Twins make a long playoff run.

“I feel like we got really close last year,” he said.“I have a sour taste in my mouth from that last game in Chicago. We’re looking forward to next year.”

The Twins are still looking for a offensive upgrade at third base, but Twins GM Bill Smith said that the team isn’t afraid to go to spring training with Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris as a platoon there.

Word is that the potential deal between the Cubs and Padres involving Jake Peavy has fallen apart. Cubs infielder Mark DeRosa, who can play third base, could be an option for the Twins. The Phillies also are interested in DeRosa.

Update on Beltre: Just heard that the Twins, indeed, are on Adrian Beltre’s no-trade list. That usually means the clause would have to be bought out in order for the player to waive it. It would be another hurdle if the Twins approach the Mariners about a trade.

It’s a slick move by Beltre and his agent, Scott Boras, if they recently added the Twins to the no-trade list. They listen to the rumors….

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 12:20 pm and is filed under Breaking news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.