Should the Pittsburgh Pirates Trade for Justin Morneau?

By Jared Stonesifer | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 1 hour 23 minutes ago

COMMENTARY | It’s a question that’s been floating around Pittsburgh since before the trade deadline, even more so now that the Minnesota Twins have placed first baseman Justin Morneau on waivers.Should the Pirates trade for a big bat? Even the casual fan knows about the team’s dismal run production this season and, heading into September, the need for a heavy hitter not named Pedro Alvarez is paramount. But is Morneau the answer?

Combined between the two-headed platoon monster that is Garret Jones and Gaby Sanchez, the team’s production at first base is below average compared to the rest of the league. They have a combined .258 batting average with 15 home runs, 30 doubles and a .769 OPS.

A quick look at Morneau’s stats don’t suggest an immediate upgrade. The 10-year veteran is hitting .267 this year to go along with 15 home runs, 31 doubles and a .752 OPS, hardly eye-popping stats. Sure, the one-time All-Star and American League MVP in 2006 is having a down year. He is 32, after all, and shows few signs of being the same player who hit 30 or more home runs three times and hit more than 100 RBIs four times.

Perhaps the only glimmer has been Morneau’s hitting as of late. He has a .294 average in August to go along with seven home runs. His season batting average is slightly below his career average of .279, suggesting he could extend his hot hitting into September or October. His seven home runs this month nearly match the eight bombs he’s hit in the rest of the season.

Looking at the numbers, Morneau doesn’t appear to be a tremendous addition, even if he continues his hot-hitting ways. His left-handed bat would be a helpful addition to the middle of the lineup, not to mention he would have playoff experience on a team sorely lacking it.

But what would the front office have to give up to get the aging veteran in the form of prospects? One thing that’s for sure is that the Pirates would have to pay about $4 million of Morneau’s remaining salary this year. Is that price tag worth renting a player for a month or two, let alone giving up prospects?

Some Pirates fans would say yes, because Morneau is something, anything for fans who’ve been clamoring for an addition. But that doesn’t mean he’s the right addition. Sure, Morneau is having a down year compared to his career. And, sure, he could very well go on a tear and pick this team up offensively when it needs it the most. Or he could continue to be what he is, an average first baseman whose best years are likely behind him.

Either way, is he worth the price tag with only 37 games left in the regular season?

Jared Stonesifer has covered the Pittsburgh Pirates for MLB.com on a freelance basis since 2010. He lives in Pittsburgh.