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Morneau, Cuddyer sign up

GM Bill Smith says the Twins want to keep their core group of players together.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: January 26, 2008 - 3:43 PM

A LOOK AT THE CONTRACTS

JUSTIN MORNEAU

Six years, $80 million

$6 million signing bonus, payable in November

• 2008: $7.4 million

• 2009 $10.6 million

• 2010: $14.0 million

• 2011: $14.0 million

• 2012: $14.0 million

• 2013: $14.0 million

Note: Limited no-trade clause in which he names six teams he's can't be traded to.

MICHAEL CUDDYER

Three years, $24 million with a $10.5 million option for 2011

$2.75 million signing bonus

• 2008: $5.0 million

• 2009 $6.75 million

• 2010: $8.5 million

• 2011: $10.5 million*

Note: $1 million buyout. Limited no-trade clause in which he names three teams he can't be traded to.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

More from Twins

For an organization that historically has been methodical in its contract negotiations with players, the Twins' $104 million commitment to Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer on Friday reflected a different and startling approach.

The club believed it was time to make a statement that it still is serious about maintaining a competitive team, signing first baseman Morneau to a six-year, $80 million contract and outfielder Cuddyer to a three-year deal worth $24 million that includes a $10.5 million option for 2011 or a $1 million buyout. Morneau's contract is a club record in terms of length and value.

The Twins' offseason has been dominated with talk of players leaving, such as the departures of free agents Torii Hunter and Carlos Silva and the expected trade of two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana. All that talk has overshadowed the trade for slugger Delmon Young.

The Twins hope Friday's deals alter that perception.

"I think we are committed to keeping this core together," General Manager Bill Smith said. "Over the last 20 years, we have had a series of core groups. ... The time was right."

Twins CEO Jim Pohlad acknowledged fans were waiting for some good news, saying, "If I was a fan, I would want to see [some commitments] too."

Each player receives a signing bonus; Morneau $6 million, Cuddyer $2.75 million. Each receives a limited no-trade clause; Morneau can block a trade to six teams each year, Cuddyer three.

Each player was equally impressed with the speed of negotiations.

"It's great to know that, for the next six years, I can come to the ballpark and know I only have to worry about playing baseball and trying to help us win a World Series," Morneau said.

Said Cuddyer: "There has been a lot of negatives going around this offseason with losing Torii and Carlos and the whole Johan situation. To have some positive light for the fans is pretty special."

Rob Antony, the Twins assistant GM and main contract negotiator, said both deals fell into place in about seven to 10 days.

"[Ownership] came to us and basically said: 'The timing is right to do this. Let's try to lock up our core players. We don't want [departures] to continue to happen,' " he said.

So it didn't take long to reach middle ground.

"Somehow, Rob and I cut through weeks or maybe months of that process," said Mark Pieper, Morneau's agent. "The first two conversations went right at what it would really take to get it done."

There were no indications as to how the commitment to Morneau would affect the club's chances of signing Santana and taking him off the trading block. Smith maintains the Twins have tried to sign Santana to a long-term deal, but they remain in contact with the Mets, Yankees and Red Sox about various packages, and a trade appears the likely outcome.

Agent Peter Greenberg, responding to an e-mail request for a comment from Santana, wrote that Santana is "super happy" for Justin and Michael, and that they definitely deserve these contracts.

"They are great teammates and they will represent the Twins well," Greenberg said. "He is happy for the fans that the club is showing something as they look forward to the new stadium."

After the news conference announcing the signings at TwinsFest, Morneau walked over to check the large model of the new ballpark, where he will be able drop homers into the overhang in right field. Cuddyer, whose wife is pregnant, was counting pennies.

"I'm also extremely excited to sign a contract like this and still don't have to pay for dinner," Cuddyer joked while putting a hand on Morneau's shoulder.

Morneau replied, "You never did anyway."

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