Twins shopping Morneau

[DaveW]

It's on MLBtraderumors.com, basically they want a team to take his entire contract AND get a major league/major league ready player back.

 

I'd be sad to see the Canuck go, but if they could pull this off I wouldn't be opposed. If we got that 14 mil off the books next year Ryan could have some serious money to find us some SP help in free agency.

[PMKI]

If we got rid of Morneau like you said I would definitely have some mixed emotions.

[Winston Smith]

But would Ryan spend the extra money or would we just see the payroll go down into the 80's? I tend to think not all the savings would be spent.

[Mike Sixel]

That's like saying I'm shopping for a $100K car....they want someone to take the whole salary, and to give them a legit MLB player also?

[PseudoSABR]

But would Ryan spend the extra money or would we just see the payroll go down into the 80's? I tend to think not all the savings would be spent.

Right. Moving Morneau only makes sense if you are going to spend that money. I'm not sure how that 14 mil could be spent next year to make us more competitive in the near future without binding us to a long term contract. Morneau on a one year deal, while not ideal, seems like an appropriate risk for a team that might not compete and given his history with the org.

[nicksaviking]

Do we really want a "major leaguer" back? You wouldn't get much value there. If no prospects are being acquired, I'd hold onto him. As long as he's servicable like this year his value will be higher next year after most of his salary has already been paid.

[PseudoSABR]

Do we really want a "major leaguer" back? You wouldn't get much value there. If no prospects are being acquired, I'd hold onto him. As long as he's servicable like this year his value will be higher next year after most of his salary has already been paid.

Major leaguer might be a phrase used to characterize talent level rather than time-table for the big show. In other words, TR wont just dump Morneau's salary.

[Thrylos]

I tried to find the source for this... it is Tim Brown's and the original is here. From what he wrote (which is a whole sentence ) : The Twins are listening to other teams and not actively shopping him. Major difference. As far as the return goes, most likely he got the info from a team that asked the Twins for Morneau. That is what the Twins asked from that team. Not to assume that the asking price would be the same for every team... Also, TR was saying that he wanted A-level talent because he expects that at that level, the return will be better. Unless he is lying, something does not add up.

[diehardtwinsfan]

mlbtraderumors intrerestingly enough basically said that Willingham is not on the block. I'd certainly be listening to offers for him, though admittedly my asking price would be very, very high.

[Thrylos]

mlbtraderumors intrerestingly enough basically said that Willingham is not on the block. I'd certainly be listening to offers for him, though admittedly my asking price would be very, very high.

mlbtraderumors is aggregating content generated elsewhere. As far as Willingham goes, there have been 4 conflicting reports late last night and today. And from those reports you really have to go to the original source and see which are guesses by the writers (as in "it makes sense") and which actually report events (like actual discussions.) No reports of actual discussions about Willingham, which does not mean that they are not happening.

[Willihammer]

A salary dump makes sense - theyu are carrying 3 catchers/DH's/1Bs after all

[kab21]

I don't expect much salary relief from a Morneau trade. The best I see is a 50/50 split but the focus should be on getting a good prospect. If you don't get anything in return then you might as well hang onto Morneau since he'll be on a one year contract. That's the problem with having a lot of money available next year. Anyone that you sign will tie up payroll in future seasons. I would rather have that payroll available to use when the team has a chance of being good.

[Shane Wahl]

Um, I really think that Liriano was the only true player on the block. Morneau still has a 14 million dollars coming to him next year and he isn't all that good. So . . .

[twinsnorth49]

Um, I really think that Liriano was the only true player on the block. Morneau still has a 14 million dollars coming to him next year and he isn't all that good. So . . .

 

Not even sure what this means but to think Morneau can't be effective again is foolhardy. If Morneau has to go (which would kill me) it has to be for players of the future.

[DPJ]

I'd love nothing more then to get rid of the stupid Canuck for anything.

 

He's god damn worthless at this point in his career, time for Parmelee era to begin.

[stringer bell]

I'd love nothing more then to get rid of the stupid Canuck for anything.

 

He's god damn worthless at this point in his career, time for Parmelee era to begin.

 

I can't see Morneau being moved without the Twins keeping some of his salary or getting lesser players back. If they could get salary relief and a so-so prospect or two, they should take it.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I don't see Morneau getting moved at all this season, and to be honest, I don't see it happening until this time next year. If he continues to improve, you should see something of value worth trading at the deadline next year.

[twinswon1991]

Why would any team give up anything of value for Morneau given his injury(head) concerns, lack of production, and high contract. His salary makes him nearly worthless to other teams unless the Twins eat all but about 5 mil of it......at that point you almost have to keep him and hope he stays healthy.

[minn55441]

When the Twin's were stinking things up in the 70's I became a Dodger's fan and still have them as my favorite national league team. James Loney has been a huge disappointment for the Dodger's. .248/.306/.331 with only 2HR for them in 2012. Anything would be an improvement from them. I was thinking they would be willing to just trade Loney for Mourneau straight up. Loney is only 28 and I think they have flat out given up on him. Not sure The Twin's would want him with Parmelee waiting in the wings.

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[J-Dog Dungan]

When the Twin's were stinking things up in the 70's I became a Dodger's fan and still have them as my favorite national league team. James Loney has been a huge disappointment for the Dodger's. .248/.306/.331 with only 2HR for them in 2012. Anything would be an improvement from them. I was thinking they would be willing to just trade Loney for Mourneau straight up. Loney is only 28 and I think they have flat out given up on him. Not sure The Twin's would want him with Parmelee waiting in the wings.

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There is no way the Twins would or should agree to that deal. If they are going to deal with the Dodgers, they should ask for a above-average pitching prospect, not an underwhelming major league 1B.

[jwestbrock]

I'd love nothing more then to get rid of the stupid Canuck for anything.

 

He's god damn worthless at this point in his career, time for Parmelee era to begin.

I wouldn't say he's worthless. He's .306/.379/.546 vs. righthanders. Good for a 144 OPS+ compared to other lefties vs. righties. He's just being weighted down by a .147/.185/.225 vs. lefties. Good for a 26 OPS+ compared to other lefties vs. lefties. He's a extreme platoon first baseman at this point, but far from worthless because he is mashing righties.

[DaveW]

I wouldn't say he's worthless. He's .306/.379/.546 vs. righthanders. Good for a 144 OPS+ compared to other lefties vs. righties. He's just being weighted down by a .147/.185/.225 vs. lefties. Good for a 26 OPS+ compared to other lefties vs. lefties. He's a extreme platoon first baseman at this point, but far from worthless because he is mashing righties.

He is also finally starting to hit lefties decently again, if he can continue that trend he has plenty of value as he is also very nice defensively. The more I think about it the more I think maybe the best course of option is holding onto him until next trade deadline season, if he can be hitting well at that point he could net some real nice pieces back in return.

 

Also FWIW if he proves healthy I wouldn't mind inking him to another 1-2 year deal after next year. Other then Sano there really isn't a player in the org who I would be excited about at first base anytime in the next few years. Parmelee could be nice but I'm not sold yet.

[howeda7]

If anyone is willing to take his full contract, trade him for a bag of balls. This team has much more important things to spend $14 million on next year then a fading power hitter who's one bean ball away from retirement. And I have nothing against Morneau.

[Loosey]

I honestly think he is turning a corner here. He isn't hitting for much power but we are seeing the average begin to climb and hopefully with that his confidence and power will come back as well. He is only 31 years old. I wouldn't trade him this season because I don't think the Twins will get a return that will help the team. Next year however if he continues to improve and we see a guy with 15-20 HR's and a .280+ average I think the Twins could net a big return OR could re sign him to a deal that would be much less than his current one due to the concussion concerns. That's my take.

[Riverbrian]

If anyone is willing to take his full contract, trade him for a bag of balls. This team has much more important things to spend $14 million on next year then a fading power hitter who's one bean ball away from retirement. And I have nothing against Morneau.

I'd hate to be the guy who you have something against.

 

The injuries are a concern no doubt but it is quite possible that he can turn around and it can happen real quick.

[diehardtwinsfan]

He is also finally starting to hit lefties decently again, if he can continue that trend he has plenty of value as he is also very nice defensively. The more I think about it the more I think maybe the best course of option is holding onto him until next trade deadline season, if he can be hitting well at that point he could net some real nice pieces back in return.

 

Also FWIW if he proves healthy I wouldn't mind inking him to another 1-2 year deal after next year. Other then Sano there really isn't a player in the org who I would be excited about at first base anytime in the next few years. Parmelee could be nice but I'm not sold yet.

 

Pretty much this. Morneau's value is better than last year, but still pretty much at a low. It looks like he's going to finish out the season (knocks on wood) and he appears to be turning a corner. That contract will look a lot less like an albatross next season at this time, and if he continues to progress, he will be in high demand come the deadline.

 

Trading him now will net exactly what? Most likely a Low a prospect with a limited ceiling. You don't build around those guys and the likelihood of him even making the big leagues is pretty slim. You may as well hold on and try to get something better, cause you won't get anything worse should Morneau get injured again or simply not pan out.

[DaveW]

Pretty much this. Morneau's value is better than last year, but still pretty much at a low. It looks like he's going to finish out the season (knocks on wood) and he appears to be turning a corner. That contract will look a lot less like an albatross next season at this time, and if he continues to progress, he will be in high demand come the deadline.

 

Trading him now will net exactly what? Most likely a Low a prospect with a limited ceiling. You don't build around those guys and the likelihood of him even making the big leagues is pretty slim. You may as well hold on and try to get something better, cause you won't get anything worse should Morneau get injured again or simply not pan out.

Also if you keep him around for 2013 you can atleast create the illusion that you are trying to compete, heading into next season the Twins more or less have a lineup that can win you ball games. If Gibson comes back healthy and they can some acquire a couple solid SP you could be looking at a .500 or so team, and in the central that means you are actually in the race most of the time!

[DPJ]

Also if you keep him around for 2013 you can atleast create the illusion that you are trying to compete, heading into next season the Twins more or less have a lineup that can win you ball games. If Gibson comes back healthy and they can some acquire a couple solid SP you could be looking at a .500 or so team, and in the central that means you are actually in the race most of the time!

Keep hangin onto the dream Dave...never let go!

[DaveW]

Keep hangin onto the dream Dave...never let go!

It's reality. If the Twins want to hang onto their already dwindling season ticket holders for 2013 you have to give them some hope/etc for coming out to the ball park next year.

 

I'm not advocating selling the future off for 2013 and keeping the eye on really being competeitive for 2014, but at this point holding onto Morneau isn't going to cost us any top prospect or anything. (and if a team wants to over pay now, then trade him)

[DPJ]

Cause Justin "Dizzy" Morneau is really driving ticket sales.

 

This **** is no different then the mid to late 90's. Keep an eye towards the future and countdown the clock till you get some of these bad contracts off the books.