Sept 15, 2012; Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

When the Minnesota Twins traded Denard Span to the Washington Nationals for top pitching prospect Alex Meyer, they definitely dealt their best offseason trade chip.  However, that doesn’t mean the Twins don’t have players other teams would like to have on their own rosters.  One player whose name has been tossed around, not only heading into this offseason but also before trade deadlines in recent years, is Twins’ All-Star, MVP first baseman, fan favorite Justin Morneau.

Morneau, like Span, was drafted by the Twins and has only played in the Twins organization.  But, the 31 year-old first baseman is set to make $14 million in 2013, and the Twins could benefit from additional cash to offer free agent pitchers.  Morneau also isn’t the only player on the roster who can cover first base.  In October, I predicted that Span was the odd man out on the team.  Everybody and their mother expected that Span would be traded this offseason, so that prediction is nothing to write home about.  I did, however, get to that conclusion based on the Twins’ excess of first basemen.  With the team desperately needing to put Chris Parmelee‘s bat in the lineup, the best shot was either at first base or in the outfield.  I expected a Span trade and Parmelee moving to regular play in right field.

If Parmelee plays primarily in the outfield, the remaining first base alternative to Morneau is Joe Mauer, at least among those already on the 40-man roster.  Mauer caught 74 games last season, and he has consistently been adamant that he is on the team primarily as a catcher.  And while he will almost certainly see some time at first base in 2013, the organization hasn’t indicated that they plan to make Mauer their primary first baseman.  So, Morneau is going to be dealt to make room at first for the Hometown Hero.

Morneau’s health is also a concern to the Twins and to any other team that might want an MVP first baseman on their roster.  In recent years, Morneau has dealt with significant health issues, including a broken back, a concussion and recurring concussion-like symptoms, and a wrist injury.  While he bounced back to play in 134 games in 2012, he only played in 81 games in 2010 and 69 in 2011, and his 2012 power numbers never returned to their previous formidable levels.  At this point, the Twins would have to sell low on Morneau because of his recent uncertain health, and there is no point in dealing Morneau if the team can’t recoup in current players or prospects the majority of the $14 million salary.

August 28, 2012; Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

It is possible that the Twins could be creating a backup plan for either a Morneau trade or injury recurrance; the team recently signed Jeff Clement (first base and catcher) to a minor league deal.  However, while Clement was once considered a top prospect, so far he hasn’t achieved major league success.  At the age of 29, he could be a bust, or he could be a successful Terry Ryan Antiques Roadshow hidden treasure.  He needs some time in the Twins minor league system before the team determines if they can count on a refurbished Clement who can be successful at the major league level.

My hunch is that Morneau is a Twin until shortly before the 2013 non-waiver trade deadline.  If he has success and health during the first half of the season, Morneau will go to a contending team for a decent prospect or two.  If he’s struggled with health or with play, the Twins will dump Morneau and his remaining salary for peanuts in return in order to save a little cash against the 2014 budget.

Dec 7, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire answers question for a press conference during the MLB winter meetings at Hilton Anatole. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Major League Baseball’s annual “Baseball Winter Meetings” are around the corner.  This year, they’ll be held December 3-6 in Nashville, Tennessee.  This annual gathering of the Baseball Minds is the epicenter of the baseball offseason.

Why gather?  Even with technology advances, there are times when nothing can replace a good old face-to-face chat between general managers, agents, MLB brass, and other decision makers.  Former New York Mets GM Steve Phillips explains in this short video the structure of a Winter Meeting day for GMs, who spend much of each day in meetings and on the phone.

Last week, I expressed my anxiety over the Minnesota Twins lack of moves at the major league level, frustration fueled by the fact that they’ve made minor league (not major league) moves and that there has been a high-profile trade or two in recent days.  It’s easy to feel left out when  one team gives up all its established talent and another signs a gargantuan TV deal.  But experience reminds us that the Hot Stove League doesn’t really get going until the Baseball Winter Meetings begin.   The new 1500espn.com “Talkin’ Twins” weekly show began this week, and on the first episode, Phil Mackey and Tom Pelissero reminded listeners to “calm down”, as the offseason has just begin.

Thinking back to the 2011 offseason, which certainly was successful in position player moves, the most significant moves didn’t happen until the Winter Meetings began or had just wrapped up.  For example:

• Winter Meetings Day 2:  12/6/11 – Kevin Slowey traded to the Colorado Rockies
• Seven days after the Winter Meetings:  12/15/11 – Josh Willingham signs with the Twins
• One day later:  12/16/11 – Michael Cuddyer signs with the Rockies

Bottom line:  Expect the real excitement to start soon!  Next week, check back for notes and tidbits from the meetings, as well as details on the best sources for updated information.  Be sure to follow @PuckettsPond on Twitter for quick updates, retweets and information.

Aug 16, 2012; Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

For Minnesota Twins fans hoping that Terry Ryan will, indeed, acquire starting pitching this offseason, it’s not uncommon to see expressions of frustration like:

Hey Terry Ryan, still waiting on those pitching additions, anyday now would be nice #MNTwins

— Nick Calo (@PRH1987) November 26, 2012

So far, pitching moves have generally been minor league contracts with invitations to spring training.  The minor moves and the lack of commentary other than “we’re talking with everyone” definitely have not inspired any hope in the team’s ability or motivation to acquire quality starters.

At this point, Twins fans may well be starting to wonder if the Twins are just receiving a bunch of “no thank you” responses from free agent starers.  Hearing confirmation that someone, anyone, is positively responding to Twins’ inquiries is at least a step in the right direction.

Over the weekend, Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune wrote that Brett Myers‘ agent, Craig Landis, confirmed that they’ve had contact with the Twins; Landis says the team is “perhaps even very interested” in Myers.  Myers didn’t start a game during the 2012 season, but he’d like to rejoin a starting rotation, which was his main role during his first decade in the big leagues.  In 11 seasons, Myers has a 4.20 ERA and a .511 W-L%.  While he has far more experience under his belt than the pitchers who were starting the final games of the 2012 season, he doesn’t exactly scream major upgrade:

• Liam Hendriks – 5.71 ERA, .091 W-L%
• Esmerling Vasquez - 4.86 ERA, .294 W-L%
• Samuel Deduno - 4.36 ERA, .545 W-L%
• Scott Diamond - 3.82 ERA, .481 W-L%
• P.J. Walters - 6.39 ERA, .444 W-L%
• Anthony Swarzak - 5.03 ERA, .333 W-L%

If this is the Twins’ plan to “improve” the rotation, or if players of Myers’ caliber are the only ones who will reciprocate the Twins’ interest, 2013 will be another long season.