Justin Morneau's Return Better Than Free Agent Signing for Twins

The return of Justin Morneau to the Twins lineup in 2011 will have
more impact than any single free agent signing this off-season.

Concussions are generally injuries most people associate with quarterbacks and wide receivers in the NFL and college football.

Don't tell that to Justin Morneau. 

Morneau missed almost half of the 2010 MLB season with a concussion he suffered when he took a knee to the side of the head sliding into second base trying to break-up a double play in a mid season game against Toronto. 

Dizziness and headaches prevailed and Morneau, who was hitting .345 with 18 home runs when the injury occurred, was unable to overcome the injury and return to the lineup. 

Despite missing Morneau's MVP-type numbers during the second half of the season, the Twins still managed to gain a playoff berth, something that left Morneau frustrated.

"To have to sit there and watch and feel like you can make a difference, it's very frustrating and very tough," Morneau said.

Morneau will hold that feeling with him throughout the off season and is certain he will be ready for the 2010 season. 

"There's not a doubt in my mind I'll be ready for spring, especially with what I've done this week and how it's reacted and how I've felt," Morneau said. "That's something that hasn't even crossed my mind."

With Morneau's huge bat returning to defending American League Central Champion Twins line-up, the Twins will in essence have their own free agent acquisition to match the Detroit Tigers signing of Victor Martinez. 

And 100% of the time, I rather have Morneau. 

The first baseman hits for average, power, and takes quality at-bats while playing a steady defense at first base.

Yes, having two lefties back-to-back in a lineup makes it easier for the opposing team to dictate situations and match-ups, but there truly isn't a better combination, when healthy, than Morneau and catcher Joe Mauer. 

Add to the mix the return of closer Joe Nathan and a young team that basically will stay together, manager Ron Gardenhire has himself the favorites not only to win the A.L. Central again in 2011, but to be serious World Series contenders. 

If the Twins make a splash by trade or through free agency by adding a legitimate top of the rotation starter, the A.L. pennant certainly will have to through Target Field. 

Related articles

• Morneau says he'll be ready for spring training (boston.com)
• Morneau will be ready for spring training (theglobeandmail.com)
• Morneau says he'll be ready for spring training (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Twins star Morneau says he'll be ready for spring (cbssports.com)