Yesterday I focused on 1 stat that I thought was important regarding Polanco. I also focused on the money he would command and how he would hit in front of Mauer. All of that is just fine, but does not tell the whole story.
Polanco has a 3.1 WAR each of the past 2 years. Nick Punto had a 2.6 WAR in 2008 and a 1.3 WAR last year.
Over the past 3 years Polanco has never been worth less than $13.9 million ($21.7, $13.9, $ 14.1) while Punto hasn’t passed $11.5 million ($3.2, $11.5, $5.8).
They are both pretty good fielding at 2nd Base. The last 3 years Polanco has put up a UZR/150 of 12.0, 3.6, and 11.0, respectively. Punto has put up -10.2, 10.1, and 9.4. The -10.2 in 2007 was obviously a result of an off year. Punto’s UZR/150 suggests that he would be better suited to play 3rd where it is much higher.
All of this points to Polanco being much more suited to play and bat 2nd for this Twins team than Punto.
