PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. - Corey Koskie, Cristian Guzman and Luis Rivas filled the infield, third to second, for the Twins from 2001 through 2003. They would return in 2004, meaning the Twins were looking strictly for a backup when they acquired Nick Punto from Philadelphia as part of the Eric Milton trade.

Punto had two long stretches on the disabled list and played in 38 games. Koskie and Guzman left as free agents. Rivas' early promise proved to be a mirage. There were openings all over the infield for 2005.

Manager Ron Gardenhire didn't react as if Punto were seizing the opportunity in spring training. One memorable day, Punto was scratched from the lineup with "general soreness."

The temperature on the manager's neck was running around 110 degrees after that news.

On Wednesday, Gardenhire was asked how Punto has made the transition from a spring training irritant to a player the Twins need to bail them out annually in a division race.

"At first, it was about getting stronger, stronger ... lifting weights all the time," Gardenhire said. "His muscles were tight. He's always been a grind-it-out guy. He was going hard in every situation and, with that tightness, he would get a pull. He changed his approach -- stretching, yoga. It's made a big difference."

Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Versatility will get you a long way in the major leagues. The Twins' Nick Punto is the perfect example.

Punto followed his unimpressive spring with a display of versatility in 2005: 63 starts at second base, 26 at third, seven at shortstop and one in the outfield.

The Twins were in white-knuckle division races three times over the next four years. In 2006, Punto took over at third in June as the Twins made a spectacular run to the Central title. In 2008, he became the everyday shortstop at the All-Star break and the Twins lost the Central in Game 163. In 2009, he became the everyday second baseman for a closing burst that gave the Twins the Central title in Game 163.

A case can be made that Punto is the Twins' best fielder at all three positions. Gardenhire, an infielder in his playing days, was asked if that makes Punto unique among players he has watched in 30-plus years of pro ball.

"I've played with utility guys who were used at all three positions," the manager said. "Most stuck around because of offense. Nick's different. No matter where you put him defensively, he gets it done. You probably can say he's our best defensive player."

Consider this: Since he came to Minnesota in 2004, Punto has played 659 games. That trails only Justin Morneau (827), Michael Cuddyer (759) and Joe Mauer (699). He's also fourth with 2,113 at-bats, behind Morneau's 3,083, Cuddyer's 2,702 and Mauer's 2,582.

Punto was sitting in the Twins' clubhouse in Fort Myers earlier this week. It was suggested to him that the odds were rather long that a utility infielder could show up for a new team in 2004, play only 38 games due to injuries, and stick around to be considered a valuable member of said team six years later.

"I'm fortunate to be with an organization that puts such value on defense," Punto said. "And it's not a bad thing to be able to play wherever the team needs you."

Punto has been in the Opening Day lineup twice: at third base in 2007 and at shortstop last season. Now, he's in competition with Brendan Harris to open 2010 at third base.

Gardenhire was asked Wednesday if there was a leading candidate and said: "I don't know. I don't know."

And then he followed with this strong hint of such a candidate: "I like to see Nicky on the field somewhere, and we have enough offense in other places to be able to do that."

Punto has been dealing with the aftereffects of wrist surgery. He had a cleanup of his right wrist in November. He was 0-for-3 in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Tampa Bay, putting him at 2-for-17 (.118) in seven exhibitions.

"He got a late start because of the wrist," Gardenhire said. "That's why we're giving him extra at-bats ... to get ready."

Presumably, that means ready to open the season at third. And where he finishes, that is anybody's guess.

Patrick Reusse can be heard noon-4 weekdays on AM-1500 KSTP • preusse@startribune.com