Twins' Morneau gets $80 million deal

Jan 25, 2008 - 8:18 PM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins apparently will pay up to keep Justin Morneau after all.

The Twins will sign Morneau to a six-year deal worth $80 million on Friday, according to a report on the Minneapolis Star Tribune's web site.

Although they have not confirmed the report, the Twins have scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. Friday afternoon at the Metrodome.

Citing team sources, the Star Tribune also is reporting that Minnesota will sign outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a long-term contract Friday. The report did not include terms of Cuddyer's deal.

The 2006 American League MVP, Morneau had been negotiating a long-term contract with the Twins since last winter, settling for one-year deals each of the past two years to avoid salary arbitration.

Just seven days ago, Morneau signed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million - a considerable raise from the $4.5 million the first baseman made in 2007.

A native of Westminster, British Columbia, Morneau reportedly turned down a four-year, $33 million offer from the Twins last winter. The lefthanded slugger went on to deliver a terrific season, batting .271 with 31 home runs and 111 RBI in 2007.

Morneau, 26, emerged as one of the top young power hitters in the game in 2006, when he batted .321 with 34 homers and 130 RBI to lead the Twins to the AL Central Division title and edge Derek Jeter for the AL MVP.