Article: Is The Window Open For Another Twins Trade?

Mauer is the face of the franchise and I totally agree with those who are baffled by how under appreciated he is. We are not trading Mauer. I was very encouraged by the season Morneau had last year, and I expect him to show improvement in 2013. While the signing of Correia really let the air out of any optimism I had for 2013 it may be true that TR can't give away his money right now to sign free agent pitching. If we can't sign a Marcum or Edwin Jackson then trades may be the only way. I maintain that Texas is certainly feeling the pressure now that their best "thumper" just left and even worse moved to a division rival. Morneau's value would increase playing in Arlington. Offer to pay $10 mil of his salary. We won't get Profar. Fine. Andrus would fill a HUGE hole on this team. Holland would be a fantastic addition to our starting rotation. Olt would be very intriguing. Without Monreau and Willingham we probably don't compete in 2013, but roll the dice and find out. Texas will probably give up more NOW than they would at the trade deadline. In Arlington, Morneau and Willingham could be worth 60 HR's and 200 rbi. The sales job TR has to make to Texas is that they can't afford to wait. Offer Morneau, Willingham and a prospect about #8-10 (not a pitcher) for 2 of these 3: Andrus, Holland, Olt. If Texas says no, fine. Keep our guys for now, but check in with Texas every couple of weeks. Wear them down and get something good the Twins can build around. In earlier posts it was suggested that if we could get Andrus we could flip him later. No way. If you finally get a SS that good (and when it's been a franchise Black Hole) you keep him and build around him.

One other point...Texas may have lost their best "thumper" in Hamilton, but they also rid their clubhouse of a major headcase. TR also needs to stress to Texas that in Morneau and Willingham they would be getting 2 great additions to their clubhouse. Texas is in full "WIN NOW" mode. That's why they may be willing to give up a solid prospect like Olt to acquire 2 solid citizen vets who are "thumpers" in their own right.
Holland is expendable and Andrus may be with Profar waiting in the wings.

I'd hold onto Morneau unless it's a really good offer. I might even be open to the suggestion of signing him to an extension.

I have a feeling that the Big Canadian is poised for a big comeback season in 2013.

Jack, I agree that Morneau is poised for a big comeback season in 2013. That's why I would place his value to Texas as "high" and since TR can't "give his money away to anyone" if I couldn't fleece the Rangers out of what I wanted, I'd be content to hold onto the big guy and let him mash for the Twins in 2013. He's one of my favorite players. I don't want to just give him away. But if I could package him for 2 out of Olt, Andrus and Holland, I'd have to do it.

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Originally Posted by one_eyed_jack

I'd hold onto Morneau unless it's a really good offer. I might even be open to the suggestion of signing him to an extension.

I have a feeling that the Big Canadian is poised for a big comeback season in 2013.

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I get that feeling too. I think realistically, he'll be shopped at the deadline, but if comes back huge and is willing to sign an extension to keep him in Minnesota, then you transition him to DH and backup-1B over the next 3 to 4 years, and once Willingham is traded or a free agent, you've got a solid DH without having to move Parmelee.

Ok seriously people, Andrus is a good player, but he has 2 years left on his contract... 2 years. He's also expensive. He's going to be ready to leave just in time for 2015 when this team would likely be a favorite to win the central again, and there's no heir apparent in the minors for him either. Like others here, I'm perfectly fine trading Morneau (who is also my favorite player) if the right deal comes along, but it isn't for a good ML SS with a couple of years left. It will be for a good MI or P propsect that can likely see MN in 2014/15 timeframe...

As Denard and Ben go, so shall Justin and Chris?

Not being really serious, but I don't think that Parmelee is going to be starting as soon as Sano or someone moves to first base. Also, this would move Willingham to 1B, in theory, freeing up flexibility for either a 3B trade and a Plouffe move to LF or some remedy in the OF involving a trade or prospect.