Puckett’s brings you the freshest catch of Minnesota Twins news from the Pond.

– The Minnesota Twins signed a quartet of players to minor league deals yesterday. They weren’t moves of the magnitude that fans would really like to hear about but they’re necessary types of moves that all clubs make. And they’re something to, finally, talk about. The Twins signed Buddy Boshers, familiar face Darin Mastroianni, Wilfredo Tovar and Brandon Kintzler. We’ve already profiled Boshers and Mastroianni, so we’ll cover Tovar this morning and Kintzler later today.

Tovar is a 24 year old shortstop originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Mets in 2007. He worked away in the Minors for 6 years before getting the call up to the Mets in 2013. The stint was for 19 PAs. He had 3 hits and a walk. He was also called up very briefly in 2014 (3 PAs). In 2013 and 2014, Tovar had been called up direct from AA. In 2015, he spent the whole season in AAA. He was outrighted, thus becoming a free agent, after the season to make room on the Mets’ 40 man roster.

In short, Tovar is a light hitting batter, excellent fielder and speedy runner. Tovar is still quite young and has potential. Tovar slashed .283/.327/.356 in AAA last year. Tovar bats right handed. His base running game has taken time to develop, and still needs work, but he swiped 30 bases in 2015. He’s played the bulk of his career at shortstop but also has played 132 games as a second baseman. He began taking some reps at third in 2015 as well. He was rated by Baseball America as the best defensive second baseman in the PCL. That’s somewhat odd considering second base is where he played the least last year.

Also signing MiLB deals w/#MNTwins: LHP Buddy Boshers, SS Wilfredo Tovar, RHP Brandon Kintzler. — Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) December 15, 2015



Tovar’s path to the Twins’ active roster is blocked by quite a few middle infielders (major leaguers and prospects). He’s likely destined to spend all of 2016 in Rochester. Perhaps his best shot at returning to the big leagues someday will be to become a utility type infielder. He’s already begun developing positional versatility. With his glove, he could carve out a niche as a defensive replacement type. It’s his bat blocking his comeback to the majors at the point. At his age, there’s still room to develop. Perhaps his offence can blossom into something serviceable.

– One of Tovar’s middle infield competitors, Engelb Vielma will be invited to spring training (as per a Mike Berardino source)

– Apparently the Minnesota Twins are on Jonathan Papelbon‘s no trade list. We’re not going to lose ANY sleep over that one. Jon, you’re on our no-trade list too!

Check back here tomorrow for your daily dose of Minnesota Twins news.