The Twins, as expected, on Friday picked up the 2011 option on Jason Kubel's contract that will pay him $5.25 million.
And the Twins, as expected, declined the $5 million option on Nick Punto's contract and will instead owe him a $500,000 buyout.
Kubel, 28, in what was a down year for him, batted .249 with 21 homers and 92 RBI. After hitting the first home run in Target Field history, Kubel hit just eight homers at home during the season,struggling like many teammates to clear the fences there. He's a .275-.280 hitter with 30 homers and 100 RBI.
Punto, 32, batted .238 with 1 homer and 20 RBI and spent two stints on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring.
There is a belief within the organization that it's time for Matt Tolbert to become the main utility player. But all the Punto bashers out there should hold off on the celebrations. If Punto is willing to come back for pennies on the dollar in an utility role, the Twins might be interested.
(Although I write that sentence before talking with GM Bill Smith, who might just say the sides have agreed to part ways).
Other tidbits:
(*) Twins manager Ron Gardenhire met with Twins owner Jim Pohlad this week, presumably to go over the season and address his contract extension as well as contracts for his coaches. We all expect Gardenhire to a deal done before the end of the calendar year - based on Pohlad's comments to me before Game 3 of the ALDS.
