From the first swing Justin Morneau took in spring training last year, nothing felt right.
His was in pain with every swing he took, he was frustrated and wasn’t having as much fun as he thought he should be. And when the Colorado Rockies weren’t winning much over the 49 games the four-time All-Star appeared in before missing the remainder of the season with concussion-like symptoms, Morneau knew he didn’t want to finish his baseball career feeling that way.
So when the White Sox contacted the 35-year-old first baseman in mid-March and inquired whether he would be interested in coming to Chicago while playing for a team that was a rival during his time with the Minnesota Twins, it proved to be just the opportunity Morneau had been looking for.
On Thursday, Morneau – the 2006 American League MVP and 2014 National League batting champion – agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Sox that will also include incentives. The Sox immediately placed Morneau on the 15-day disabled list as he continues to recover from off-season surgery to repair the primary flexor in his left elbow.
Sox general manager Rick Hahn expects Morneau to be ready to play in mid-to-late July. Morneau said Thursday that once he’s healthy, he will do whatever he can to help the Sox win.
“I wouldn’t come back if I didn’t feel like I was here to contribute,” Morneau said before Thursday’s game with the Washington Nationals at U.S. Cellular Field. “I still have a desire to compete and I still have a fire to go out there and prove every day that I belong on the field and try to win.
“In the end, really that’s all there is left for me is to just try to win and be a part of a winning environment or winning situation in a playoff chase and play meaningful games in September. That’s really what makes it fun to come to the ballpark and I still have a desire to do that.”
Hahn said he viewed signing Morneau as a move similar to one that would be made at the trade deadline. But knowing that Morneau still needed time to rehab his elbow, the timing of bringing Morneau now without having to give up any prospects made sense.
Hahn said that Morneau would start to swing a bat in the next few days and will soon be sent off to begin a minor league rehab assignment. Morneau said he expects to be ready to play at the big-league level after the All-Star break.
“Once he gets hot, it’s something to watch,” Sox third baseman Todd Frazier said Thursday. “He gets extension on those hands in a left-handed bat as well, it’s going to be a good acquisition for us.”
Morneau wouldn’t address what other teams express interest in his services. Instead, he saw the Sox as being the best fit for him at this point of his career. He understands the Sox have a steady first baseman in Jose Abreu, but said he is willing to take a role as a designated hitter and fill in for Abreu when needed while giving the Sox the left-handed hitter they’ve been searching for.
Yet, given the 11 years he spent with the Sox’ AL Central Division rival Twins, there is part of him that is still surprised that he is here.
“If you would have told me a few years ago this is where I’d end up or have an opportunity to play I don’t know if I would have believed you,” Morneau said. “But I’m thankful for it now and happy that I’m here. Hopefully (I will) be back sooner than later to help this team try and get back into a playoff spot. That’s really what I’m here for.”
Follow me on Twitter @JeffArnold_
