Sticking to the Plan

In an offseason where the New York Yankees are shelling out hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire top free agents and other teams are scrambling to bring in new talent via trades and signs, the Minnesota Twins brought back utility infielder Nick Punto.
Punto, the player who hit .210 in 2007 and who averages a home run once every 168 at-bats and an RBI every 13.3 at-bats.
Drives you crazy, right?
Well, it shouldn't.
The Twins are sticking to the plan I set aside for them earlier this offseason: Resign key players and develop talent.
Over the past 12 years Minnesota has had a difficult time landing a productive free agent. The front office knows what it will get out of Punto (good defense and speed on the bases). Plus, he's extrememly affordable ($8 million over two years).
Look what the Twins did in 2008 with a limited payroll and Punto, coming within one game of the postseason. Expect similar results this year.
By saving now, Minnesota can spend later when the contracts of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Scott Baker, Joe Nathan and others approach expiration.