Trade Target: Justin Morneau

[crowmst3k!]

It's still pretty early, granted, but let's say that the pitching continues to impress. Let's say the Orioles hang in the east and should be buyers this year: would you consider trying to swing a trade for Justin Morneau?

The Twins are going to have a very difficult time in their division. Detroit looks stacked, the Twins' rotation looks meh, and their payroll is through the roof (over 113 million according to Cot's). Morneau is signed through 2013 and will be paid $15 million each of those years, and has been an injury liability...I could see the Twins trying to dump that contract.

Provided that that the asking price is not too high (I don't think it would be), would you look into acquiring Morneau? If healthy, he's a true MOO bat. If he's still dealing with concussion problems, though, he can be a liability (in 69 PAs in 2011 he was worth -.3WAR with an OBP of .285), but for his career, he's a .285/.353/.499 guy.

What say you?

[jtschrei]

Would you be asking this if the O's were 0-3? Just asking.

Morneau is way too risky for me. Concussions don't just keep guys out for long periods of time; they also affect performance when the guy actually does play (see, one, Brian Roberts).

The O's DO need a MOO bat. I agree there. And Morneau will be able to be had b/c the Twins are BAD. But... the O's system is not stocked enough for us to take a chance on this guy.

[BrunoCherrytown]

Would you be asking this if the O's were 0-3? Just asking.

Morneau is way too risky for me. Concussions don't just keep guys out for long periods of time; they also affect performance when the guy actually does play (see, one, Brian Roberts).

The O's DO need a MOO bat. I agree there. And Morneau will be able to be had b/c the Twins are BAD. But... the O's system is not stocked enough for us to take a chance on this guy.

I agree.

I think the package would have to include at least Schoop plus two more prospects, maybe more, in it and given Morneau's only signed through 2013 I'm not sure that would be a deal worth making.

[crowmst3k!]

I don't think the O's would have to part with any prospect of significance. This is the same organization that gave JJ Hardy away for a bag of baseballs.

Morneau is expensive, and the Twins have a very, very expensive roster all around. I'm thinking it could be a little more than a salary dump to acquire Morneau.

I think the O's could absorb Morneau's contract, especially if they find some team to take on Gregg's contract.

Also, if the O's were 0-3, I'd still be advocating this, because it would mean that, despite their starting pitching successes, they would need offense even more.

[crowmst3k!]

I agree.

I think the package would have to include at least Schoop plus two more prospects, maybe more, in it and given Morneau's only signed through 2013 I'm not sure that would be a deal worth making.

No way. A Esposito/Delmonico and cash could get it done. The big 3 of prospects wouldn't have to be touched, IMO.

[paulcoates]

I don't think the O's would have to part with any prospect of significance. This is the same organization that gave JJ Hardy away for a bag of baseballs.

Morneau is expensive, and the Twins have a very, very expensive roster all around. I'm thinking it could be a little more than a salary dump to acquire Morneau.

I think the O's could absorb Morneau's contract, especially if they find some team to take on Gregg's contract.

Also, if the O's were 0-3, I'd still be advocating this, because it would mean that, despite their starting pitching successes, they would need offense even more.

Pass, big time pass. His injuries scare me. And I am sure King Pete would not approve this trade

[flashjordnk]

No way. A Esposito/Delmonico and cash could get it done. The big 3 of prospects wouldn't have to be touched, IMO.

If this is the case and Morneau looks healthy I'd be interested. But I'd be worried about your premise of how cheap the guy is. If he can be had for that much, there are other teams AL and NL that will drive that price up for him. If he's not looking healthy, there will be a lot of associated risk in the trade.

[canonfaz]

If we are in contention at the deadline for a playoff spot (MASSIVE IF), then I would see what the price is, but no way I give up any A prospects for him right now.

[Sports Guy]

No one is going to give top prospects for Morneau unless he is having an MVP level year.

[Brendan25]

Are we seriously talking about playoffs after 3 games?

[Flacco Machado]

Are we seriously talking about playoffs after 3 games?

No. Just looking at ways to improve the baseball team. The OP thought Morneau would be someone to consider.

[Brendan25]

No. Just looking at ways to improve the baseball team. The OP thought Morneau would be someone to consider.

I have ALWAYS loved Morneau. He has a smooth swing and is a good guy. I just want to see more of Chris Davis before I give up on him for a veteran. Especially if we are going to lose again this year.

[Flacco Machado]

I have ALWAYS loved Morneau. He has a smooth swing and is a good guy. I just want to see more of Chris Davis before I give up on him for a veteran. Especially if we are going to lose again this year.

I agree. Really hoping guys like Mahoney and Townsend have big years, as well.

[crowmst3k!]

I have ALWAYS loved Morneau. He has a smooth swing and is a good guy. I just want to see more of Chris Davis before I give up on him for a veteran. Especially if we are going to lose again this year.

Well, let's hope the Orioles do all they can to not lose.

I'm not buying into Davis. I don't think he'll be much more than a AAAA guy.

[Pedro Cerrano]

No. We should be targeting young, talented 1B prospects who are blocked.