The Minnesota Twins are just about ready to trade Justin Morneau, according to a report from Jim Bowden of ESPN. In addition, the Twins have told inquiring teams that closer Glen Perkins is not available in a trade.
The Justin Morneau era is about over in Minnesota. The Twins are prepared to trade him, with the Yankees, Pirates and Rays all being rumored as possible destinations. In other Twins news, the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are all chasing bullpen arms but have been told no on Glen Perkins. Those clubs all are monitoring Jesse Crain's health, as he might be the best reliever available.
Morneau has had injury and concussion issues the last couple of seasons and has not been able to replicate his production from his MVP season in 2006. He is currently hitting .273 with seven home runs, 52 RBI and a .331 OBP.
Perkins, an All-Star, has become a dominant closer over the last three years. The lefty has a fastball in the upper-90s. All three teams that have contacted the Twins do not have any issues at closer, so they are likely targeting late-inning help for their bullpen. Perkins has a team-friendly contract that pays him $4MM until 2015 and the Twins are likely going to want a lot in return for the lefty.
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