Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
NEW YORK - The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins have started trade talks involving Johan Santana.
Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said Monday that discussions are ongoing but it was too early to tell whether they would lead to a deal. He did not detail how far talks had progressed.
“I don’t want to get into that at this point, as far as what they want, what we’re willing to give and all that,” he said. “It’s preliminary right now.”
Santana is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, and the Twins have been trying to sign the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner to an extension.
Asked whether the Twins had said they would consider a trade, Steinbrenner responded: “Oh, yeah.”
The New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers also are thought to be interested in Santana, who is far better than any of the starting pitchers available on the free-agent market.
Santana’s agent, Peter Greenberg, has not spoken publicly about his talks with the Twins, who last week lost free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter to the Los Angeles Angels. Sports Illustrated reported that the Twins have offered a four-year extension to Santana for $80 million, an offer that would be much less than what Santana is seeking. According to the story, the pitcher is looking for a deal larger than the $126 million Barry Zito received from the Giants last season.
Santana, a left-hander who turns 29 in March, has a 93-44 record with a 3.22 ERA in eight major league seasons and is owed $13.25 million next year. Minnesota would want top prospects in any deal and while Steinbrenner previously said he wouldn’t trade some of the Yankees’ top young pitchers for third baseman Miguel Cabrera, he didn’t rule out a deal for a pitcher.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he has received repeated inquiries from teams about Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy.
Santana has a no-trade provision in his contract, and a team acquiring him likely would want to discuss an extension. That means if the teams agreed to a trade, there probably would be a 72-hour window to work out a new contract.
After reaching agreements to re-sign Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Jose Molina — deals that are awaiting completion — Steinbrenner said the Yankees have turned their attention to relievers. Cashman has said the team hopes to keep Luis Vizcaino.
“Obviously, I think the big thing for us now is shoring up the bullpen all that we can,” Steinbrenner said. “Brian is looking into several different things.”
Steinbrenner said Rodriguez likely will take a physical this week.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21982130/
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
If minnesota [where i live] trade Santana to the yanks it would be like the yaks trading Jeter to Boston. It would kill the minnesota fan base and most likely Santana won't work as hard because he'll have a guarenteed contract with NEw York.
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
If the Steinbrenners are getting directly involved in this, then it means they want it to happen and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Including overruling Cashman on trading one or more of their young arms, if need be.
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Why is this even a story?
They've made offers for him in the past. I'm sure I'm not the only one here that frequently checks MLBTradeRumors and there have been tons of posts and updates about Santana-Twins-Yankees in the past few months and even some prior to the trade deadline, if I'm not mistaken.
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by
beerchaser
If the Steinbrenners are getting directly involved in this, then it means they want it to happen and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Including overruling Cashman on trading one or more of their young arms, if need be.
would giving up Hughes or Joba for a proven not so old vet be so bad?
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mnstonecold
If minnesota [where i live] trade Santana to the yanks it would be like the yaks trading Jeter to Boston. It would kill the minnesota fan base and most likely Santana won't work as hard because he'll have a guarenteed contract with NEw York.
It would be nothing like trading Jeter to Boston. There's no heated rivalry between the Twins and Yankees. Yes, it will upset Twins fans, but I think comparing to a Jeter to Boston trade is a bit of a stretch.
And to say Santana won't work as hard is ridiculous. He has had a guarenteed contract for a few years now. The notion that baseball players universally decide to dog it after being gaurenteed money is ridiculous. Santana is consntantly praised for his incredible work ethic, something that is likely part of his personality. I don't think a lot of money and a move to New York is going to make him lose his work ethic.
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HoustonGM
It would be nothing like trading Jeter to Boston. There's no heated rivalry between the Twins and Yankees. Yes, it will upset Twins fans, but I think comparing to a Jeter to Boston trade is a bit of a stretch.
And to say Santana won't work as hard is ridiculous. He has had a guarenteed contract for a few years now. The notion that baseball players universally decide to dog it after being gaurenteed money is ridiculous. Santana is consntantly praised for his incredible work ethic, something that is likely part of his personality. I don't think a lot of money and a move to New York is going to make him lose his work ethic.
yeah but would you give up hughes or joba for him??
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Wassit3
yeah but would you give up hughes or joba for him??
Yes as Santana has proven that he is a REAL yearly ACE - those 2 you mention HAVE the possibility to good but as yet have like 1/2 season experience & both have had injury doubts....but then again as a Red Sox fan I really do wish Santana does NOT go to the Yankees....;)
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by
FRENCHREDSOX
Yes as Santana has proven that he is a REAL yearly ACE - those 2 you mention HAVE the possibility to good but as yet have like 1/2 season experience & both have had injury doubts....but then again as a Red Sox fan I really do wish Santana does NOT go to the Yankees....;)
I tend agree, and 29 is not so old for a pitcher, he possibly has another 11 years or so in his arm...
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
I like it if they don't give up too much. I don't want to see them give away Cano or Melky...2 names mentioned. If they have to give up pitching I would rather see Kennedy go than Hughes or Joba.
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RickD
I like it if they don't give up too much. I don't want to see them give away Cano or Melky...2 names mentioned. If they have to give up pitching I would rather see Kennedy go than Hughes or Joba.
Ian looks like he has potential too but he is 23 or so, getting old it seems by todays rush em up standards...
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Santana saw what happened with A-Rod in New York so I dont think he wont slack off.
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
I bet if the Yanks get Santana Andy will go ahead and retire.
Re: Yankees, Twins talking about Santana trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Wassit3
yeah but would you give up hughes or joba for him??
Yes.
I'd give up Hughes, Cabrera, and one other good prospect (like an Austin Jackson), and even another so-so prospect, if that's what it took...provided I was able to sign Santana to an extension prior to the deal.
Santana has gotten past the real tough parts of a pitcher's career. Young pitchers aren't likely to reach their full potential. As great as Hughes CAN be, Santana IS the best pitcher in baseball, and at 29 with no injury history, he's the best bet there is to stay a great pitcher into his late 30s.
