Morneau signs long-term deal

The Strib is reporting Justin Morneau has inked a long-term deal with the Twins.  Details aren't yet available, but will be released this afternoon.

See the story here:
http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/14355301.html

The Twins are set to announce this afternoon the signing of first baseman Justin Morneau to a long-term contract, according to team sources.

The Twins and Morneau agreed on a one-year, $7.4 million contract last week but resolved to restart talks on a long-term deal.

The goal behind last week's agreement was to avoid arbitration, with Morneau receiving a nice raise from the $4.5 million he made last year. After winning the AL MVP Award in 2006, Morneau hit a late-season slump in 2007 and finished with a .276 average, 31 homers and 111 RBI.

The Twins had the same goal last year when a long-term deal with Morneau was discussed in the offseason before the sides agreed on a one-year deal on Feb. 2 to avoid arbitration. The sides reopened negotiations shortly after pitchers and catchers reported in mid-February. Indications were that the deal left on the table in March was for four years and between $30 and $33 million, with an option for a fifth year. Today's deal is expected to surpass the one discussed last year.

Like Morneau, the Twins would like to sign arbitration-eligible outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a long-term contract. Cuddyer, who earned $3.5 million last season, has requested a $6.2 million salary for 2008, while the Twins filed for $4.7 million.

Cuddyer is the only Twin who is still eligible for arbitration hearings this spring. The club signed righthander Matt Guerrier to a one-year deal on Wednesday that avoided arbitration.