With the expected signing of 1B Adam LaRoche, the Washington Nationals are expected to be looking to move OF/1B Michael Morse. The team traded for CF Denard Span, which gives the team a crowded OF which includes Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth. There are several teams in the need of some power in their outfield with a couple teams looking for first basemen. With the Nationals trying to repeat as NL East Champions, they are unlikely to trade within the division, which would eliminate teams such as the Phillies and Braves. Both teams would be very good fits for Morse. Maybe the lack of immediate competitiveness would increase the chances of him being dealt to the Mets or Marlins; both of whom would benefit from his presence in their lineup.
Morse has been a dependable power bat over the past two seasons. He missed some time due to injury, so some do not give him the credit he deserves. Last season, he hit .291, 18, 62 in just 102 games. His 2011 season was very solid, as he hit .303, 31, 95 in 146 games in hi breakout season. He will turn 31 this season, and is eligible for free agency after the 2013 season. He avoided arbitration prior to the 2012 season, signing a two year deal for $10.5 million, making $6.75 million this coming season. Not counting the NL East, here are the top ten teams that can use Morse's services.
10. Cleveland Indians: The Indians have made some moves to bring in Nick Swisher and Mark Reynolds. Adding Morse to the lineup would make them a power threat and would completely balance their lineup. With Morse, perhaps the Indians could surprise teams in the AL Central especially if the Royals and White Sox underachieve.
9. San Diego Padres: The Padres were a team I expected to see more active this offseason. They have not been. With the new ownership, the team could have more of a payroll than they have had in recent seasons. His bat would give some protection for Chase Headley. The Padres finish in 2012 gives some promise for the 2013 season.
8. St Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals had came into last season with Lance Berkman in the mix. They have not replaced his bat, though they did not need him to make the run to the NLCS last year. Morse's ability to play both the OF and 1B gives the Cardinals many options, with Allen Craig also able to play both.
7. San Francisco Giants: The Giants could be more particular in their pursuit of Morse. They just won the World Series, and it is known Morse would be a very good fit in LF in San Francisco. Melky Cabrera was part of the mix last season, until his PED issues and Gregor Blanco fits more of the mold of a 4th OF. The Giants are not desperate though, and certainly will not be willing to give up too much.
6. Seattle Mariners: Yes, the Mariners have brought in some offense with Raul Ibanez, Kendry Morales and Jason Bay all joining the team. Morse would be the final power bat to make opponents fear them a little more, especially with the Angels, Athletics and Rangers having talent advantages coming into the season. He would be a fit at 1B with Justin Smoak not living up to the hype. The Mariners also have some good young pitching and could surprise.
5. Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles could view Morse as an upgrade over Reynolds, with the ability to hit for a better average and less strikeouts. Morse could DH and fill in at both OF and 1B. He could benefit from playing his home games in Camden Yards as well as playing a decent amount of road games in Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.
4. Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers can replace some of the power they are missing with Prince Fielder going to Detroit. As a right handed bat, it may not be what the Brewers are looking for, but they could take a huge step in getting back to where they were two years ago. Morse would come to Milwaukee to be the everyday 1B.
3. Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays still have a good young team, but would benefit from having a bat such as Morse. Morse could either play 1B or LF in Tampa Bay and would add power to a lineup that is lacking.
2. Texas Rangers: They Rangers could use Morse to go with Berkman and AJ Pierzynski to replace Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Mike Napoli. Morse would not make up for the loss of Hamilton, but if he hits 30 HR, the team would not miss Josh as much.
1. New York Yankees: $6.75 million for one year is perfect for what the Yankees are trying to do for this season. His ability to hit LHP and DH when needed against RHP will be a benefit for the Yankees. Similar to Baltimore, he will thrive from playing his home games at Yankee Stadium as well as playing divisional road games in Baltimore and Boston.
Morse has been a dependable power bat over the past two seasons. He missed some time due to injury, so some do not give him the credit he deserves. Last season, he hit .291, 18, 62 in just 102 games. His 2011 season was very solid, as he hit .303, 31, 95 in 146 games in hi breakout season. He will turn 31 this season, and is eligible for free agency after the 2013 season. He avoided arbitration prior to the 2012 season, signing a two year deal for $10.5 million, making $6.75 million this coming season. Not counting the NL East, here are the top ten teams that can use Morse's services.
10. Cleveland Indians: The Indians have made some moves to bring in Nick Swisher and Mark Reynolds. Adding Morse to the lineup would make them a power threat and would completely balance their lineup. With Morse, perhaps the Indians could surprise teams in the AL Central especially if the Royals and White Sox underachieve.
9. San Diego Padres: The Padres were a team I expected to see more active this offseason. They have not been. With the new ownership, the team could have more of a payroll than they have had in recent seasons. His bat would give some protection for Chase Headley. The Padres finish in 2012 gives some promise for the 2013 season.
8. St Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals had came into last season with Lance Berkman in the mix. They have not replaced his bat, though they did not need him to make the run to the NLCS last year. Morse's ability to play both the OF and 1B gives the Cardinals many options, with Allen Craig also able to play both.
7. San Francisco Giants: The Giants could be more particular in their pursuit of Morse. They just won the World Series, and it is known Morse would be a very good fit in LF in San Francisco. Melky Cabrera was part of the mix last season, until his PED issues and Gregor Blanco fits more of the mold of a 4th OF. The Giants are not desperate though, and certainly will not be willing to give up too much.
6. Seattle Mariners: Yes, the Mariners have brought in some offense with Raul Ibanez, Kendry Morales and Jason Bay all joining the team. Morse would be the final power bat to make opponents fear them a little more, especially with the Angels, Athletics and Rangers having talent advantages coming into the season. He would be a fit at 1B with Justin Smoak not living up to the hype. The Mariners also have some good young pitching and could surprise.
5. Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles could view Morse as an upgrade over Reynolds, with the ability to hit for a better average and less strikeouts. Morse could DH and fill in at both OF and 1B. He could benefit from playing his home games in Camden Yards as well as playing a decent amount of road games in Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.
4. Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers can replace some of the power they are missing with Prince Fielder going to Detroit. As a right handed bat, it may not be what the Brewers are looking for, but they could take a huge step in getting back to where they were two years ago. Morse would come to Milwaukee to be the everyday 1B.
3. Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays still have a good young team, but would benefit from having a bat such as Morse. Morse could either play 1B or LF in Tampa Bay and would add power to a lineup that is lacking.
2. Texas Rangers: They Rangers could use Morse to go with Berkman and AJ Pierzynski to replace Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Mike Napoli. Morse would not make up for the loss of Hamilton, but if he hits 30 HR, the team would not miss Josh as much.
1. New York Yankees: $6.75 million for one year is perfect for what the Yankees are trying to do for this season. His ability to hit LHP and DH when needed against RHP will be a benefit for the Yankees. Similar to Baltimore, he will thrive from playing his home games at Yankee Stadium as well as playing divisional road games in Baltimore and Boston.
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