Article: Twins need more from Morneau and Willingham

[Parker Hageman]

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1892-More-home-runs-from-Morneau-hits-from-Willingham

[Kevin]

A Google search shows Morneau's recent injury and surgical history, this besides the concussion from mid-season 2010: June 2011-neck surgery to remove a fragment of a disc that was causing neck and shoulder and arm pain. September, 2011- cyst removal from left knee and bone spur removal from left ankle. October, 2011- a "stabilization procedure" on a tendon in the back of the left wrist. With all this, it is no wonder his power is down. Just the altered bio-mechanics of his swing from the leg and wrist surgeries could easily be affecting him. The neck surgery, described by a Twins trainer at the time as "non-invasive"(!) could have been for neck issues that are still affecting his swing. Ample reasons for a decline in power.

[troyhobbs]

I've always believed the Twins FO made a mistake not trading Willinham midseason last year knowing they wouldn't be serious contenders this season

[diehardtwinsfan]

I've always believed the Twins FO made a mistake not trading Willinham midseason last year knowing they wouldn't be serious contenders this season

 

It's definitely looking that way, though we don't know what was on the table for him. Willingham had a history of injury going into last year and was just starting a 3 year deal. I doubt teams were willing to give up a lot of value to pay a guy the remaining 17M on the deal so that he could spend a lot of time on the DL, as well, there wasn't anyone to replace him. Ryan may have gambled on this one, but I highly doubt he was turning down offers of Dylan Bundy for him.... something tells me that he wasn't even getting an offer of Tony Cingrani for him.

[Halsey Hall]

Willingham's certainly been a big disappointment lately. Even in situations where the defense is giving up the run on a ground ball he can't seem to do it. So he's got a knee problem or whatever, maybe some time sitting will help out. I do like seeing Arcia out there anyway.