Early trade possibility: Justin Morneau?

May, 3, 2012
5/03/12
3:12
PM CT
ESPN.com's Jim Bowden looks at some early trade targets for teams and notes that Justin Morneau could be a possibility for several teams, including Texas.

Part of Bowden's thoughts:
It was confirmed Tuesday that Morneau has no structural damage in his surgically repaired wrist, so Morneau will be of interest to several teams, including the Rangers, Dodgers and Marlins. He fits best with the Rangers, as their current left-handed hitting first baseman Mitch Moreland has looked terrible. And assuming he is completely healthy, Morneau could act as considerable insurance in case Josh Hamilton chooses to leave as a free agent after this season.

My take:

Certainly first base is a spot where the Rangers could look to upgrade. But they don't have to do anything because they can rotate Mike Napoli and Michael Young at that spot with Mitch Moreland. Morneau has some value, but he's also making $14 million this year and next year. That's a pretty hefty financial commitment. A healthy Morneau could give some team a nice punch down the stretch, if he can start to hit more like he did a few years ago.

Bowden has some other thoughts, but you'll have to read those here (insider).
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.

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TEAM LEADERS

BA LEADER
Lance Berkman
BA HR RBI R
.309 3 25 20
OTHER LEADERS
HRN. Cruz 11
RBIN. Cruz 33
RE. Andrus 28
OPSM. Moreland .922
WY. Darvish 7
ERAY. Darvish 2.97
SOY. Darvish 86

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