I have to admit I’m in full football mode as I am pee in my pants giddy over this weekends Championship Games. I’d be shocked if the Patriots don’t come out on top Sunday and if the G-Men win the Tundra War in Lambeau but both are shaping up as fine viewing for a cold Sunday afternoon/evening.
The Johan Santana stalemate is still ongoing and from what we are reading out of the Twin cities, it seems GM Bill Smith is just looking at the deal that puts him in the best light with Twins fans. It’s thinking like that that will make Smith an ex-GM real soon. As the great Bob Knight (congrats on win number 900 last night by the way) said when you start listening to the fans in back of you, you soon join them.
But after reading this story it still seems that the Mets are the front runners in getting Santana. It looks like a game of high stakes chicken between Minaya and Smith. Minaya does not want to give up both Carlos Gomez and F Mart and Smith and the Twins keep leaking stories of the Highlanders and Red Sox showing not only interest but the better package. With the Highlanders out as of today (and that changes by the minute) and the Red Sox not really needing Santana that leaves just our Metsies ready willing and able to deal.
Give Santana credit as he hasn’t busted balls to be dealt and dealt now but the longer this drags out the ultimatum will be coming as he has to get ready for not only spring training but the regular season as well as far as setting up a home. At this point I would be very surprised if Santana is not a Met.
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This post was written by kranepool on January 17, 2008
I think Mr. Smith has to realize that the team giving up all these top notch prospects or high ceiling players is also going to have to shell out $120-$150 million also. I could see him holding out for more if Santana was under contract for the next 3 years at $10 mil per year but that’s not the case. Honestly, I hope the Twins keep him for the entire year and he leaves and the Twins are left with nothing to show for it. If Santana gets hurt somehow before getting traded or has a sub par season, I’d hate to be Smith. Remember, last year was Santana’s worst year albiet still a strong year for normal standards but not that great for him.
Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm.
Just read on Metsblog that Santana had a 5.11 ERA in his last 7 starts, and scouts say he lost velocity, and some say his shoulder was bothering him. Remember in Saving Private Ryan when the guy says “I’ve got a bad feeling about this one” before they go after the sniper’s nest? That’s how I now feel. Giving up our top (and only?) 5 prospects for a guy who may be damaged goods, I don’t know about that. The Sox refused to sign Petey for 4 years because of his shoulder, and they were right. We lost a full season of his services. Imagine if that happens here, and we’re out 5 prospects on top of that.
I’ve waffled. I’m now against the trade. To be honest, I’m very concerned about mortgaging the future and having a pitcher in St. Lonesome on rehab. Give the kids a shot, sign Lohse for 2-3 years and make it work. Something will be out there come July 31.