Justin Morneau returned to playing field for his first official game since sliding into second base against the Toronto Blue Jays the ended with a concussion. In his return, he was able to accomplish a few things. He was able to get on the field, get a couple quality at-bats in live action, and ply first base. This to me brings up a bigger question and it is how valuable is Justin Morneau to especially the Twins lineup? He continue to be a staple in the Twins lineup for most of the past six seasons becoming one of the most dominate players in baseball that includes the 2006 MVP. Over this time he has average 139 games played per season and that is 85% of the games that he could have potentially played in. He is a very durable and is a gamer on a daily basis. Morneau has hit 158 home runs over the six year period, along with that, four 100 plus RBI seasons. He is a outstanding fielder and team leader. Beyond that, there is telling stat that will show you once and for all how valuable that Justin Morneau is.
VORP or Value Over Replacement Player is the number of runs contributed beyond what a replacement-level player at the same position would contribute if given the same percentage of team plate appearances. Here is a list of what Morneau has been able to since becoming the starting first baseman in 2005.
2005- 0.2
2006- 52.7
2007- 29.2
2008- 45.9
2009- 30.0
2010- 47.4 (in 81 games)
Total- 205.4
Justin Morneau has been in the top three of the Minnesota Twins lineup in all but two of the these seasons, but in comparing some of the top first baseman Morneau’s VORP just doesn’t add up. Albert Pujous is far and away the best with a 554.9 over that period. Even in Morneau’s MVP season, he wasn’t the best on his own team, and runner-up Derek Jeter had a VORP of 78.9. Morneau does have the beneift of time on his hands as he is only 29 years of age. Early in 2010, he showed that he capable of being a legitimate star in this league and will have to prove it in the future.
In the end, Justin Morneau is quite valuable to the Minnesota Twins as he produces on team that hasn’t been a heavy hitting team over the years. Hopefully, we continue to see the development of what he can bring in 2011. Overall, he is an average first baseman in today’s league in the hitting department. To be considered a long-term fit in any organization there must be an improvement. Justin Morneau will not be a free agent until 2014 and will make $14 million per year.
Twins Notes
- The Twins continue to successful this without the majority of their starters playing any significant time outside of Jason Kubel with a 6-4 record.
- Delmon Young also made his return to the lineup today in that same B game.
- Joe Mauer (knee) had still not resumed catching duties as of yet. The thought is he will take easy this spring to save his legs so he play better in September and October.
- Michael Cuddyer (wart) is just waiting until his foot heals and he will be 100% ready to go.
- Single game tickets go on sale March 19th, get out to Target Field this year if you have not had a chance.
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Being born and raised in Minnesota it was easy to grow into an avid sports fan of the local teams. With a passion for baseball the Minnesota Twins have become his favorite team and topic to write and talk on a frequent basis. 