Pittsburgh Pirates Made Huge Mistake By Not Attempting To Re-Sign Justin Morneau
Jun 14, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Mornea (33) hits a single against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Last August, the Pirates, in the midst of a playoff race, went “all in” and landed Minnesota Twins four-time All-Star first basemanJustin Morneau.
At the time, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said, “We felt that this move gives us a better chance to play in October, a better chance to win the division, a better chance to advance in October.”
This move helped to solidify a major weakness at first base, as well the addition of another hitter betweenAndrew McCutchenandPedro Alvarez.
The Pirates did make a Wild Card spot and advanced over the Cincinnati Reds in a wild playoff game at PNC Park. The Pirates then played a great series and fell to the St. Louis Cardinals, who would make it to the World Series.
Morneau’s career as a Pirates was short-lived, as he only played in 25 games, batting .260 with 20 hits in 77 at-bats. Though the former AL MVP and 2008 Home Run Derby Champion didn’t hit a homer with the Pirates, he still played relatively well and worthy of a Pirates contract offer.
In the offseason, Morneau exclaimed that he wanted to play for a winner, his options were wide open as far as which team he would sign with, and that he enjoyed playing in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates, notoriously known for not offering a steep paycheck, did not even extend an offer for Morneau to stay in Pittsburgh. Justin would later go on to sign with the Colorado Rockies, taking a two-year, $13 million dollar deal ($6.5 million per season).
I’d say that was a pretty cheap deal for the Rockies, and the Pirates never even gave him an offer. I would think that the Pirates learned their lesson when they acquiredRyan Ludwickat the trade deadline but didn’t try to re-sign him. Ludwick would go on to the Cincinnati Reds and hit 26 HRs and 80 RBIs for a division rival the next year.
This isn’t as bad of a blow as trading awayJose Bautistato the Blue Jays, but it just doesn’t make sense why Pittsburgh couldn’t at least extend an offer. I think the lack of a Morneau offer is as bad as Pirate fans who are demanding the team trades Alvarez.
I understandMarlon ByrdandA.J. Burnettleaving the Pirates for the big bucks. We can’t afford to dish out $17 million a year for one player near the end of his career. Besides, outfielderGregory Polancoand starting pitcherJameson Taillonwere about to be unleashed.
As for first base, this is a glaring weakness for the Pirates in my opinion. Morneau was a huge improvement overGarrett Joneslast season, but what was the plan for this year? The Pirates have some young talent in the minors, asJosh Bellmay be a potential star, but there wasn’t immediate help for the first base position. TheAndrew Lamboexperiment didn’t last long.
For Colorado, the 33-year-old Morneau is batting .312 with 13 HRs and 60 RBIs. Pirates fans can watch him tonight in theHome Run Derby. For the Pirates,Gaby Sanchezis batting .229 with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs andIke Davisis batting .234 with 5 HRs and 28 RBIs. Those numbers aren’t too great for a team who wants to make the playoffs again.
We could only wonder “what-if,” but I can assure you that the Pirates would be a much stronger squad with Morneau at first base. Maybe the Pirates will try to reacquire him for another run at the playoffs.
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