Emergence Of Ben Paulsen Makes For Justin Morneau Trade Rumors

May 1, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau (33) during the game against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With the Major League Baseball trading deadline less than four days away, the Colorado Rockies will be a team to keep tabs on. Recently, the New York Mets inquired about All-Stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez in case the Rockies consider trading one or the other — or perhaps even both. A name to keep an eye on is first baseman Justin Morneau who will be coming off the disabled within the next week after a neck strain.

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Morneau went down with a neck strain after the All-Star break probably from jerking his neck so much in the Home Run Derby. Morneau will begin a rehab stint at the Rockies Triple-A affiliate Colorado Springs Monday night.

Morneau, 33, was having an All-Star caliber season before going down with injury. The 6-foot-4, 233 pound first baseman was hitting at a line of .312/.345/.502 with 20 doubles, 2 triples, 13 home runs, 60 RBI’s, and 16 walks. As I’ve mention in previous articles, Morneau has struck out just 38 times this season in 333 at-bats which is unheard of.

One player that has made an impact on the big club since being called-up is rookie first baseman, Ben Paulsen. Many Rockies fans probably haven’t heard of his name until the past week but he has definitely caught our attention.

March 3, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Ben Paulsen (36) runs to third after hitting a triple in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Rockies inserted Paulsen into the lineup, all he has done is get on base — which is really good for the team if you didn’t know. The native of Plymouth, Wisconsin is riding a six-game hitting streak and is hitting at a line of .474/.524/.684 with 9 hits in 19 at-bats, including 4 doubles, 2 RBI’s, and 2 walks.

We will find out within the next couple of days if Morneau will be on the move.