Justin Morneau hit two home runs Sunday afternoon in the Twins victory over Cleveland. At this point, it seems the first baseman has his hitting stroke back after a slow start. In his first 55 games this season, Justin posted a .229/.302/.438. He could draw a walk, and when he did make good contact he drove the ball, but he just wasn’t getting hits that often. Morneau struck out 47 times in 210 at bats during that stretch.

His last 61 games are a different story. His slash line in this period reads .321/.368/.504, and he executes all aspects of the game well. He’s missing the ball less, too, as he struck out just 39 times in 234 at bats. His walks are down, but that’s due to making contact again, and he’s more than made up for that with his hits.

Now what do the Twins do with Morneau? He will be a free agent at the end of 2013. Does Minnesota want to sign him long term and take the chance that he might relapse? Given his good second half, do they try to trade him over the winter to a team that needs a first baseman? He’s only going to make $14 million in 2013, which should be a bargain for a power hitting first baseman. Teams no longer get compensation picks for free agents acquired at the trade deadline, so if a team is looking for a one and done, they should get him over the winter. I could see him being a very good fit on the Rays. He earns a reasonable amount of money, they let him go to free agency, and the Rays get a compensation pick. Watch for something like this over the winter.