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Report: Red Sox sign Nick Punto

Print | Comments () Posted by Chad Finn, Globe Staff December 14, 2011 03:49 PM

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By Chad Finn, Globe Staff

The Red Sox have signed veteran utilityman Nick Punto to a two-year contract, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.

Heyman reported Punto, who turned 34 in November, is guaranteed $3 million with another $500,000 possible in incentives. The Red Sox had a vacancy for a utility player with this morning's trade of Jed Lowrie to the Astros.

Punto played 66 games for the champion Cardinals last year, hitting .278 with an .809 OPS in 166 plate appearances. He played 45 games at second base while also seeing time at shortstop and third base.

During his 11-year career, Punto has played for the Phillies (2001-03), Twins (2004-10) and Cardinals. A lifetime .249 hitter with a .652 OPS and 14 home runs in 887 career games.