Cards sign infielder Punto By Sports Network

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals signed veteran infielder Nick Punto to a one-year deal Friday.

A 33-year-old switch-hitter, Punto spent the past seven seasons with the Minnesota Twins. He played his first three seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Versatile and sure-handed on defence, Punto has played extensively at every infield position except first base, with the odd stint in the outfield.

He has made only 64 errors in more than 6,000 innings with a lifetime fielding percentage of .978. He was errorless in 122 chances at third base for the Twins last season -- the first player in 33 years with a flawless performance in at least 100 chances at the hot corner.

Punto has batted .247 in his 10-year career, and last year appeared in just 88 games because of hamstring issues and hit only .238.