Twins Notes: Morneau, Willingham, Carroll Trade, Wood

Let's talk about something else besides that game today.

• It sounds like the Twins have more interest in trading Justin Morneau than Josh Willingham, but that's not really a surprise. If the Twins fail to trade Morneau, they could get nothing in return if he signs elsewhere over the winter; if the Twins fail to trade Willingham, they still have him under contract in 2014.
• Interest in both players has been lukewarm this season. Willingham was hurt for the July 31 trade deadline, while at the time Morneau was in the midst of a cold stretch. I have to believe that the uptick in interest in both parties over the last week has just as much to do with timing as anything else. With days left to go before the August 31 deadline, options are limited. If a team like Baltimore or Pittsburgh wants to swing something, waiting-it-out isn't a sound strategy at this point.
• We started a discussion this morning on the topic of Baltimore claiming Willingham.
• The Twins are getting cash back from the Royals in return for Jamey Carroll. In nine games for Kansas City, Carroll is 1-for-25 (.040) with three walks, four strikeouts, and two runs scored.
• With the exception of eight pretty bad innings for the Red Wings, Tim Wood spent the entire 2013 season on the disabled list. He was released yesterday, which was a necessity once he'd been re-activated from the 60-day disabled list since the 40 man roster was full.
• Luis Perdomo was also released from the Red Wings, although he wasn't on the 40 man roster. He made 15 relief appearances for the Twins last summer, posting a 3.15 ERA but walking 12 in 17 innings.
• In ex-Twins news, Pat Neshek was passed through waivers and Jason Kubel was designated for assignment. Neshek accepted a trip to Oakland's Triple-A affiliate, while Kubel is the subject of rumors regarding contending teams that may claim him. Neither player will be returning to Minnesota.