Morneau, Twins get a one-year deal done

The slugger avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $7.4 million contract, but a long-term contract still could be in the works.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: January 18, 2008 - 9:28 PM

No, this wasn't copied and pasted from a year ago.

The Twins and first baseman Justin Morneau agreed on a one-year, $7.4 million contract, but each would like to sit down in the near future and discuss a long-term deal.

The goal behind Friday's agreement was to avoid arbitration, with Morneau receiving a nice raise from the $4.5 million he made last year. After winning the AL MVP Award in 2006, Morneau hit a late-season slump in 2007 and finished with a .276 average, 31 homers and 111 RBI.

"The figure is a very fair and appropriate salary and I'm glad we were able to work it out before the exchange of numbers," Morneau's agent, Mark Pieper, wrote in an e-mail.

The Twins also avoided arbitration with righthander Juan Rincon, who agreed to a one-year deal for $2.475 million. Friday was the day players and clubs exchanged arbitration figures.

While the Twins and Morneau can go to arbitration following the 2008 and 2009 seasons, the team hopes to sign Morneau to a long-term deal. The Twins are expected to approach Morneau at some point over the next several weeks.

"We've left that door open," Twins assistant GM Rob Antony said . "We would like to try to do something with him multiyear. Right now, with arbitration staring us in the face, we were comfortable getting a one-year deal done.

"Hopefully we can reach out and try to get something done long-term."

The Twins had the same goal last year when a long-term deal with Morneau was discussed in the offseason before the sides agreed on a one-year deal on Feb. 2 to avoid arbitration. The sides reopened negotiations shortly after pitchers and catchers reported in mid-February. Indications were that the deal left on the table in March was for four years and between $30 and $33 million, with an option for a fifth year. A deal for Morneau now would be more costly.

The Twins also failed to extend ace Johan Santana, closer Joe Nathan, outfielder Michael Cuddyer and outfielder Torii Hunter at the time, which has led to some of their current challenges. Santana is on the trading block.

Hunter has signed with the Angels. Nathan, who has 161 saves over the past four seasons, is a steal at $6 million this season.

Like Morneau, the Twins would like to sign outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a long-term contract. Cuddyer, who earned $3.5 million last season, has requested a $6.2 million salary for 2008, while the Twins filed for $4.7 million.

The Twins, however, didn't contact Cuddyer's agent, Casey Close, until Thursday. Cuddyer, aware that the team has been immersed in Santana trade talks, said he isn't upset.

"The process can start now that we have exchanged figures," Cuddyer said. "I would love to sign a multiyear deal. At the same time it has to be something both sides think is fair."

The Twins also have a potential arbitration case with reliever Matt Guerrier. Guerrier, who earned $407,500 last season, filed for $1.15 million while the Twins filed for $750,000.

Arbitration hearings take place Feb. 1-21 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Santana update

There were no indications on Friday of any developments in the Santana trade situation. The Mets and Red Sox remain interested and, while the Yankees have pulled out for now, Twins officials expect to eventually hear from them before Santana is traded.

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