TWIN062807.NOTES

Torii might accept less money to stay with Twins

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: June 27, 2007 - 11:55 PM

Hunter, during a radio interview Wednesday, expressed his preference for signing a contract extension now instead of waiting until the end of the season. He also indicated he might be willing to accept less money than he would get on the open market to remain with the Twins.

"I think I can surprise a lot of people," Hunter told KFAN's Dan Barreiro. "There's [no talks] going on, so you never know what I'm thinking.

"I never once said what I wanted. I never said if I was going to give a discount or be crazy and outrageous and ask for all this money like Vernon Wells [seven years, $126 million]. You never know until we talk."

Hunter said he hasn't had any discussions with the club since spring training.

"I just hate it's down to this point," he said. "I've seen this happen to a lot of players around the league and a lot of players I have played with and it's kind of sad this could be my last year in Minnesota."

Club no longer trying to get Jones

The Twins were interested in dealing for Chicago Cubs outfielder and former Twin Jacque Jones before Jones' trade to the Marlins fell through. But indications are that the Twins and Cubs won't be able to rekindle talks because of finances.

According to sources, the Twins looked into the deal before the Cubs agreed to send Jones to Florida for a minor leaguer. The Cubs reportedly were willing to eat $6.6 million of the $7.2 million remaining on Jones' contract through 2008.

Now there are indications the Cubs have decided they can't afford to eat that much salary, causing the deal to fall apart. The club is expected to keep trying to trade Jones, who's batting .233 with two homers and 20 RBI. The Chicago Tribune has begun a "Jacque Watch," on its website.

Jones, a Twin from 1999-2005, would have played left field while Jason Kubel shifted to desginated hitter. It's unclear who the Twins would have given up in the deal.

For a deal with the Twins to work, the Cubs would have to pay about $6.6 million of Jones' remaining salary. According to a club source, the Twins have no flexibility to take on payroll beyond this year because of the raises right fielder Michael Cuddyer and first baseman Justin Morneau will get through arbitration after the season. The club also could make another run at locking up lefthander Johan Santana beyond 2008 and possibly re-sign outfielder Torii Hunter.

That is revealing in one significant aspect: If the Twins add a hitter before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, it will likely be a player whose contract expires after this season.

Morneau can go

Morneau was cleared to begin workouts, after suffering a bruised lung Friday during a collision at home plate in Florida.

Morneau headed right for the batting cage with hitting coach Joe Vavra and began hitting screaming liners. He could be available today for the series finale.

"Maybe [Thursday]," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Definitely Friday."

Gardenhire said Morneau will be the designated hitter for a few games once he returns.

Morneau has missed five games since the injury, which hospitalized him for three days.

"He had his spikes on in the dugout [Wednesday]," Twins catcher Joe Mauer said, "so that has to be a good sign. Maybe he's getting that itch to get back."

Etc.

• Here are the pitching matchups for this weekend's series against the Tigers. Friday: Santana vs. Justin Verlander. Saturday: Kevin Slowey vs. Andrew Miller. Sunday: Scott Baker vs. Jeremy Bonderman.

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.