The Baltimore Orioles are still working out a trade for Seattle Mariners outfielder Michael Morse, but have stopped discussions with the Minnesota Twins about Josh Willingham, reports Roch Kubatko of MASN.
Orioles trade rumors: Morse trade still in the works, Willingham off the table
Baltimore will need to work out a deal with Seattle for Morse by Friday afternoon.
Otto Greule Jr
The Orioles seemed unlikely to acquire both players. Morse and Willingham are both right-handed power hitters who can help platoon with Nate McLouth in leftfield and pick up some at-bats at DH. The Twins are asking for "way too much" in return for Willingham, sources have told Kubatko.
More Orioles: Scoreboard Watching
Morse is expected to come cheaper than Willingham for a couple of reasons. The Mariners outfielder will be a free agent this winter, while Willingham is signed for $7 million next year. Morse has also had a disappointing season at the plate, entering Friday batting .226/.283/.410.
Baltimore would expect Morse to perform better at Camden Yards than he has so far at Camden Fields; our own Nathan Aderhold explains the differences between the two parks for right-handed hitters:
According to Statcorner, the three-year park factor at Safeco for right-handed homers is just 74, meaning they hit dingers there with 26 percent less frequency than in a neutral park. Meanwhile, in Camden Yards, the park factor for right-handed home runs in 116, which is a massive swing in Morse’s favor.
Morse hit well for the Washington Nationals from 2009-2012, batting .294/.343/.514 over four seasons.
More from SB Nation MLB:
See More:
