Dodgers May Not Have Nick Punto To Kick Around Anymore

The hot stove embers continue to roast as the flames of the oven are getting hotter and more stove-like, and  oven….y. Ok guys sorry, that pun died a horrible death. I tried. Regardless, the hot stove can get pretty crazy, and it’s bound to get even crazier. Now here’s something that caught my eye. 

*Update*, (as soon as I finished writing this, we learned that Punto indeed is leaving the Dodgers. Punto has signed a one-year deal with the Oakland A’s. Here’s the official tweet)

This was right before his NLCS Tootblan-Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

According to Ken Gurnick, Nick Punto the Dodger’s super utility guy has decided to test the free agent waters, and apparently according to Gurnick will be leaving the Dodgers for the open market. Check it out he has a “robust” free agent market. Not sure how much head first slides into first base go for these days, but Punto was fairly useful in 2013. I mean he batted .255 with two home runs, in 116 games, and 335 plate appearances. Punto split time between third base, second base, and shortstop while continuing to make fun of his “little buddy” Skip Schumaker. It is unknown whether Schumaker would follow Punto into free agency.

Punto was also nominated for the heart and hustle award this season, probably for his many head first slides, and stuff. The Dodgers acquired Punto form the Red Sox from the blockbuster trade in August of 2012 that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and pitcher Josh Beckett to the Dodgers. However we all know that Punto was the centerpiece of that trade. Now the Dodgers may not have “the little Pony” to kick around anymore. Looks like the Dodgers are going to have to rebuild the bench for 2014.