Twins Rumors: Morneau, Willingham, Pavano and Liriano

The Minnesota Twins are expected to eventually try and make the best possible deals for assets such as Josh Willingham, Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Matt Capps and Jamey Carroll, according to Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe. Carfado adds that Minnesota is likely to entertain offers for first baseman Justin Morneau, though the Twins won’t necessarily deal their slugger. Carfado believes the Toronto Blue Jays could be a fit for Morneau if he does become available.

Unfortunately for the Twins, only half of the players mentioned above have been productive this season.

Matt Capps has saved 11 games for the Twins this season while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.60 and 1.050. Josh Willingham has been Minnesota’s most productive hitter in 2012, leading the club in home runs (10), RBIs (35) and OPS (.953).

While he hasn’t been putting up MVP-like numbers, Morneau has flashed impressive power this season. Over his 135 at-bats Morneau has nine home runs and 10 doubles, good for a slugging percentage of .511.

Pavano and Liriano have combined to throw more than 100 innings at an ERA north of 6.00. Carroll has been a flop, only mustering an OPS of .567 over his 178 at-bats.

Carfado believes Morneau could potentially land with the Blue Jays this summer for several reasons. Toronto has given the impression that they are trying to do something big to revamp their offense. Morneau is also a native of Canada, and the Blue Jays have money to spend and prospects to trade.