TWIN032207.SIDE

Morneau contract talks end

The Twins slugger said he is disappointed a multiyear deal couldn't be worked out.

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: March 21, 2007 - 9:49 PM

FORT MYERS, FLA. - Contract discussions between the Twins and reigning American League Most Valuable Player Justin Morneau have ended without an agreement on a multiyear deal.

Morneau, who said his emotions changed from "optimistic to frustrated" in the past few weeks, will earn $4.5 million this year.

"Oh, well," Morneau said. "I'll just have a good year and we'll try to get something done next year."

Morneau's agent, Mark Pieper, traveled to Fort Myers last weekend for face-to-face talks with the Twins but to no avail.

"It's done," Morneau said before going 1-for-3 on Wednesday against Cincinnati.

Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said it is team policy not to discuss contracts during the season.

According to sources familiar with negotiations, the deal left on the table was for four years and between $30 and $33 million, with an option for a fifth year.

It was believed that Joe Mauer's four-year, $33 million contract would be in the range of what Morneau could receive. But, when filing arbitration numbers, the Twins offered Mauer $3.3 million and Morneau $4 million. That indicated to Morneau's agents that his deal should be worth more, but the Twins didn't see it that way, partially because Mauer has more service time.

Morneau will be eligible for arbitration before the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons before being eligible to file for free agency, so the Twins will have him under contract in 2010, when their new ballpark is scheduled to open. That's also the year Mauer's contract expires.

The Twins and Morneau discussed a multiyear deal in the offseason before reaching agreement on a one-year deal on Feb. 2 to avoid arbitration. But the sides reopened negotiations shortly after pitchers and catchers reported in mid-February.

Indications are that the Twins still are interested in extending the contracts of closer Joe Nathan and ace Johan Santana. Nathan's deal is to be addressed first, and indications are that negotiations are ongoing. Then the Twins would turn their attention to Santana.

La Velle E. Neal III • lneal@startribune.com

Comment on this story | Read all 0 comments | Hide reader comments

Carl Pohlad's funeral

Carl Pohlad earned billions, but his son said he cared little about the trappings of wealth.

Snow doesn't dampen opening day spirit

Twins fans and players alike shrugged off the snow for opening day and heralded the arrival of the baseball season.

Tour Target Field

Minnesota Twins President David St. Peter gives a walking tour of Target Field.

Twins players swap jerseys for aprons

Minnesota Twins players worked as waiters Sunday night to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club.

Animation of the ballpark construction process

Animation created by Mortenson Construction showing the process of building the new Twins stadium.

Time lapse of Twins stadium

On June 26, the Twins released a one-minute time lapse movie of how the construction has progressed over the past year.

Twins video player card: Mike Redmond

Twins catcher Mike Redmond talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Final of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Boof Bonser

Twins pitcher Boof Bonser talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Eighth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Nick Punto

Twins infielder Nick Punto talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Sixth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Justin Morneau

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fifth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Brendan Harris

Twins second baseman Brendan Harris talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fourth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Adam Everett

Twins shortstop Adam Everett talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Third of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Mike Lamb

Twins third baseman Mike Lamb talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Second of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Joe Mauer

Twins catcher Joe Mauer talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. First of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Training camp: The battle for second base

Twins coach Ron Gardenhire is looking for Nick Punto to improve offensively and for Brendan Harris to be patient at the plate, but the competition for second base is close.

5-7-5: Twins are poets, don't 'cha know it?

Assorted Minnesota Twins read reader-submitted Haiku with flair ... or not.

Cuddyer is ready to lead the Twins

Michael Cuddyer says he's probably a natural fit to lead the team since he's got the most experience with the organization.

Who's going to make Twins roster?

Baseball writers La Velle E. Neal III and Joe Christensen think Wednesday's lineup against Boston features the A-listers or as close as it can be given the tough competition.