CLEVELAND - The Twins invited every player to today's groundbreaking celebration at the new ballpark site, but only about half will attend.
Some players, such as Justin Morneau, have prior commitments. Center fielder Torii Hunter won't go for other reasons.
Hunter, in his ninth full season with the club and a free agent after the season, admitted his uncertain future with the team makes him apprehensive about attending.
"It's tough going to the groundbreaking and not even knowing if you are going to be here," Hunter said. "You'd like to, but it's my day off.
"I'll just get a massage and hang out."
It was learned last weekend that Hunter has informed the club that he doesn't want to try to negotiate a contract extension until after the season, a complete shift in stance from earlier in the season when he pleaded publicly to sit down for talks.
While that might seem like an indication Hunter already has made up his mind to leave, he insisted Wednesday that the Twins will have a chance to sign him.
"They'll have a chance, definitely," Hunter said. "They have a better chance than anybody. It's up to them to step up."
In addition to Hunter and Morneau, staff ace Johan Santana and closer Joe Nathan also aren't expected to attend today. Those expected to attend include Michael Cuddyer, Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, Jason Bartlett, Jesse Crain, Matt Garza and Mike Redmond.
Another deadline
The deadline for trades of players who clear waivers is at 11 p.m. Friday.
Twins General Manager Terry Ryan is watching the waiver wire and keeping in contact with teams, but it's unclear if he will swing a deal.
"It's always possible," Ryan said. "It's all depending on the waiver wire. You really don't have a lot of control over that. It depends on who clears and who doesn't."
Ryan would not comment on the possibility that other clubs are looking at Twins players (Carlos Silva?) to boost their playoff chances.
Wow
Manager Ron Gardenhire believes that Nick Punto's one-hand grab-and-throw from the outfield grass Tuesday might have been his best defensive play ever.
Punto has made a few of them, including one this season when he raced in on a slow roller and threw the runner out while airborne.
"Those were two on the list that I think are his best plays I've seen him make," Gardenhire said. "He's made quite a few of them. He's made a lot at third base. [Tuesday] night has got to be No. 1."
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