Let the Santana Sweepstakes begin

Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux won how many World Series?

Sure it looks amazing on paper in December, but there is a reason why they play the games. Johan and Beckett will win playoff series, but Ortiz, Manny and Lowell get you through the 162 game season and into the playoffs.

That said, my money is still on Boston.

 

Gammons says it now may not happen at all:

12:15 p.m., from Peter Gammons
• Don't expect to see a Twins-Red Sox or Twins-Yankees whopper. The sense is now that Minnesota will hold onto Johan Santana.

 

Maybe Zeke can provide enlightenment, but I never understood why the Twins were trying to deal for Santana in the first place.

First off, it's a horrible PR move to lose two of your most high-profile guys on the cusp of opening a new stadium.

Second, Santana and a healthy Liriano still might be the best 1-2 punch in baseball atop a rotation.

Third, why not wait until July, when there probably will be several teams willing to give up the sun and the moon for the guy?

Edited to reflect spnited's correction. This is what happens when you post before coffee.

 

First: They did not trade another high-profile player, Hunter left as a free agent. They don't want Santana to do the same next year and get only draft picks in return.
Second: Maybe, if Liriano stays healthy.
Third: Santana has a full no trade clause and might be less inclined to waive it in July than he is now.

Meanwhile, if the Twins offered him 4 years for 80+ mill, why can't cheap old man Pohlad just give him 6 years and end all this bullshit?

 

Bingo. As sometimes happens, spnited is exactly right. Five for $100 million, club option for the sixth at $25 million.

Santana would sign that, is my gut feeling. Pohlad can easily afford that -- that's a fact. And with the new park coming, it's a solid investment. How many more people would pony up for season tickets knowing they could watch baseball outside and see Santana pitch 15 times?

Everybody wins.

 

If there is a God, Santana will sign an extension with the Twins.

 

Or be traded to the NL.