Nishioka arrives, coaches swap roles, Punto's return?

Tsuyoshi Nishioka has arrived in the Twin Cities for a physical and to meet Twins staffers. There's been enough progress made on a contract that the Twins could announce his signing either Friday or Saturday.

Nishioka arrived at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport around 11 a,m. strutting through the doorway where international flights arrive wearing sunglasses and with several Japanese reporters in tow. Cameras rolled as he headed for his ride downtown.

One observer told me a few U.S. servicemen were on the same flight from Narita Airport and initially thought the cameras were for them (Ouch!)

Nishioka spoke to Japanese reporters before boarding the flight to the Twin Cities.

``I am so excited," he said. ``Finally, I am able to go to Minneapolis."

He indicated that the deal might already be wrapped up but I'm worried something is missing in the translation. Here's his comment on that subject:

``I am not going to visit there to negotiate," he said. ``When I come back to Japan, even my (back) number has been decided."

His e-mail: ``...in response to the many requests, Tsuyoshi Nishioka and his wife arrived this morning via Delta Airlines from Japan and he will complete a series of physical examinations today and tomorrow.

``Contract Negotiations are on-going, but not complete."

OTHER NEWS

As grandfather sports reported this morning, Third base coach Scott Ullger and bench coach Steve Liddle are swapping roles. Liddle has experience coaching third base, so it shouldn't be a rough adjustment.

Ullger wants to manage one day, so the switch will allow him to work more closely with Gardenhire. Ullger ran the team any time Gardy was tossed from a game anyway,so this makes more sense.

PUUUUUUUNTTTOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Nick Punto is still looking for a job. There was a report last week that Cleveland had showed some interest. Word is that some in organization wouldn't mind Punto coming back as a utility player. I'm not sure that sentiment is shared by all of the key people at Twins Way..

Punto's defense is unquestioned. The problems are his dives into first base and frequent fly outs. But it doesn't hurt to have a reliable glove off the bench.