Buzz: More Seeing Mets and Johan Santana

http://www.metsblog.com/2008/01/11/buzz-more-seeing-mets-and-johan-santana/#comment-79251


…here’s what i have learned today, having talked with more or less the same group of insiders who i normally engage with…

…more and more people around baseball, from front offices to reporters, are all starting to see the Mets as Johan Santana’s likely landing spot, including people who are connected to the Yankees and Red Sox…which has me very giddy, but which also makes me very nervous…

…i mean, i just don’t want to be teased and let down…i know the Mets are involved, and they’re quite focused on santana, and they’re working a lot of creative angles, and so to have this back-fire, especially after all of the hype, it would be so disappointing…if he ends up on the Yankees it will be devastating…

…by the way, i have a feeling that Jose Reyes is repeatedly mentioned in public, specifically through talk radio, so the Mets have a built-in scapegoat should santana end up on another team…in other words, the Mets can say, “Well, the Twins wanted Reyes, what were we supposed to do,” when in reality he has not, is not and will never be involved…

a lot of people now believe that the report from yesterday’s Star-Tribune was aimed directly at the Yankees, in an effort to smoke out Phil Hughes…hopefully it had zero impact…frankly, i’m starting to believe the Yankees would just as soon see santana end up in Queens at this point, which is saying a lot considering how these two teams typically fight over the back pages…

…lastly, i get the sense that santana and his agents are now in a position to consider a contract extension from another team…i am not exactly sure how that is allowed to happen without a trade having been agreed to, but santana’s people are in lock down and their in lock down for what seems to be a very specific reason…

…i remain cautiously optimistic…frankly, i will not sleep easy until santana is traded, because i will never trust what i hear or don’t hear about the Yankees

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080111&content_id=2343625&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb


HOUSTON -- The Astros plan to hold their annual Nolan Ryan Elite Pitching Camp and Jeff Bagwell Elite Hitting Camp at the end of the month, but they may be without one of their coaches -- Roger Clemens.

No decisions have been made yet, but the Astros are considering not including Clemens as a coach during the week-long mini-camp for the organization's top prospects. The camps will be held Jan. 28-31 at Minute Maid Park.

If they exclude Clemens, it will not be because the club is presuming guilt. But after Clemens' name appeared in the Mitchell Report on Dec. 13, the Astros front office discussed that it might be better for Clemens to not participate in the camp, because of the potential distractions that could accompany the Rocket's presence at the ballpark.

"When the Mitchell Report came out, we talked about it," assistant general manager Ricky Bennett said. "[Club owner] Drayton [McLane] had the mindset of, 'Let's see how this thing plays out.' That was weeks ago. I don't know. My thoughts are it would be real awkward. If he does come, it'll be world news. We don't want that kind of distraction. We'll talk about it."

Clemens has participated in the camp every year, and it was understood that the Rocket would continue to do so as part of the 10-year personal services contract he signed four years ago. The contract was to go into effect when Clemens officially retired, which he has not done yet.

In the Mitchell Report, Clemens was alleged to have used steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001. His former trainer, Brian McNamee, told Sen. George Mitchell he injected Clemens several times during those three seasons.

Clemens has vehemently issued several denials, through written statements, a video posted on his Web site, a "60 Minutes" interview and a press conference with reporters in Houston.

Clemens has also filed a defamation suit against McNamee for making "false and defamatory" claims in the Mitchell Report.

Clemens' son, Koby, a prospect in the Astros' system, plans to participate in the Elite Camp. Because the Astros will limit media access to players to certain parts of each day, Bennett does not anticipate any distractions even if reporters seek out Clemens' eldest son.

But the Rocket would be a different story, which may move the club to decide not to invite Clemens to serve as a coach at this year's camp.

"With all the hoopla and coverage, the focus should be on our players," Bennett said. "Nolan, Bagwell, the group itself. Not the other things."

Alyson Footer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/01/11/braves_0112.html

Possible move to Atlanta 'does excite' veteran centerfielder

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/11/08

The Braves might soon have the short-term veteran center fielder they've been looking for, and Mark Kotsay said he's excited about the possibility of coming from Oakland to fill the role.

Athletics general manager Billy Beane called Kotsay Friday morning and told him they were discussing a trade to send the 32-year-old center fielder to Atlanta for a prospect. The A's would likely also pay a significant portion of Kotsay's $8 million salary in 2008.


He's a strong defensive center fielder and .282 career hitter in 11 major league seasons, but back surgery limited Kotsay to 56 games in a career-worst 2007 season (.214, one homer, 20 RBIs).

He said he's finally recovered completely from March 2007 back surgery, and Kotsay was on an elliptical machine during a workout Friday as he confirmed he could be traded to Atlanta.

"It does excite me," the former Marlins and Padres outfielder said possibly playing for the Braves — even if it were only for one season, before he became a free agent after the 2008 season.

"I love Bobby Cox, and I like Atlanta and the Braves, as far as the team and organization, the history they have. They've always been competitive. It's a great opportunity if this [trade] happens."

Kotsay hit .214 with one homer in 214 at-bats before the out-of-contention A's decided it best to shelve him in mid-August. He had arthroscopic back surgery in spring training, and said Friday that he rushed his recovery because he wanted to help the A's stay in the playoff race.

"My team needed me and I probably came back too quickly," said Kotsay, who totaled 72 doubles, 30 homers and 145 RBIs in 1,188 at-bats during the 2004-05 seasons, before chronic back problems flared in 2006.

Kotsay has 103 homers and 560 RBIs in 11 seasons in the majors, incliuding a career-best 2004 season when he .314 with 37 doubles, 15 homers and a .370 on-base percentage.

The Braves are looking for an established center fielder for the transition between Andruw Jones, the 10-time Gold Glover they chose not to try to re-sign, and Jordan Schafer, the No. 1-rated prospect who could benefit from another year in the minor leagues.

Schafer could be ready by 2009, perhaps even sooner if the Braves feel it necessary to thrust him into the role. If they don't acquire Kotsay or another center fielder, current options include rookie Josh Anderson, a singles-hitting speedster who debuted in September with the Houston Astros, and prospects Schafer and Gregor Blanco.

I'm okay with it as long it's it's a MID-LEVEL prospect. Kotsay's not worth more than that. Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll bouce back, but I'm not holding my breath.

Posted by: FineHamAbounds | January 11, 2008 at 03:17 PM

smart money says that beane will try and spread the risk out across 5-6 low-level prospects.

Posted by: scootie puff jr. | January 11, 2008 at 03:17 PM

also, if salary relief is the name of the game, how is kotsay in any form better than 1 year of mike cameron? besides the 25 games.

Posted by: scootie puff jr. | January 11, 2008 at 03:19 PM

If this involves the salary relief and ONE mid level prospect i am ok with this. MAX i would give is mid and a very low level one as well

Posted by: thedeuce | January 11, 2008 at 03:21 PM

LOL scottie

Posted by: johansantana17 | January 11, 2008 at 03:22 PM

I'm thinking maybe Cole Rohrbrough, Julio Teheran, or Tommy Hanson to Oaktown.

Posted by: johansantana17 | January 11, 2008 at 03:26 PM

This just smells of the Craig Wilson incident.

Posted by: TheAngelicDoctor | January 11, 2008 at 03:29 PM

I wouldn't go as far as to compare it to the Craig Wilson Incident since Kotsay has actually been pretty good in the past... I'm just wary of back surgery and whether his poor numbers last season were a result of his injury or if it means he's just declining.

Posted by: FineHamAbounds | January 11, 2008 at 03:34 PM

"I'm thinking maybe Cole Rohrbrough, Julio Teheran, or Tommy Hanson to Oaktown."

Where can I get what you're drinking? Cause you must be fall-down drunk if you think the Braves would give up any of those guys for an oft-injured guy that would be a luxury, not a necessity, for their team.

Posted by: vt_Brady2705 | January 11, 2008 at 03:39 PM

Kotsay says in the AJC article that he thinks he came back too quickly from the back surgery, but is now "fully healthy"...I wouldn't expect the 15/82 from a couple years ago, but 10/60/.280/.340 would be fine in my mind. Kotsay, if healthy, would be plus fielder and he could hit second behind Escobar, moving Kelly Johnson down to 7 with Diaz/Brandon Jones hitting 8. I actually like that lineup a lot...even if Kotsay only plays 130 games, there are plenty of options to fill in...I hope they pull it off...it would be nice to see Blanton come too, but it doesn't seem likely at this point...

Posted by: Boswa73 | January 11, 2008 at 03:40 PM

Who are the braves likely to give up?

Posted by: Brav0s 1 | January 11, 2008 at 03:40 PM

Joey Devine makes a lot of sense for Oakland. If Street is dealt, they'll need someone with the skills to step in. Nobody on their current roster really screams closer, but Devine would go right to the front of the line.

Posted by: ucfknights | January 11, 2008 at 03:45 PM

I think the Braves giving up Diory Hernandez, Zach Schreiber or even Charlie Morton would be a good swap depending what the A's are looking for...

Posted by: Boswa73 | January 11, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Post a comment

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/giants/2008/01/cowboys-passing-game-will-prov.html


THE GAME: Giants (11-6) at Dallas Cowboys (13-3), Sunday, 4:30 p.m., Fox.

WHAT IT MEANS: Do I really have to tell you?

MATCHUP TO WATCH: WR Terrell Owens vs. CBs Aaron Ross and Corey Webster. The key to this game will probably be up front and whether the Giants’ vaunted pass rush can get to Tony Romo, but this is the matchup that will tell the tale of the game. T.O. is a Giants killer dating all the way back to his days in San Francisco. With his size, speed, moves and physical nature, there is nobody on the Giants that can match up with him. Yes, if they get a pass rush the Giants secondary will have a chance. But they’re not going to get to Romo like they got to Jeff Garcia last week. There will come times when Romo will have time to throw. And if that happens, who do you trust? Ross, the rookie who has been impressive at times but still obviously has a lot to learn in the NFL? Or Webster, who busted out of the doghouse last week but whose performance was as much a product of the pass rush as anything else? Double him, you say? How did that work against Randy Moss? Do you trust safeties James Butler or Gibril Wilson in that spot? And if Owens gets doubled, what about Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten … you get the idea. Webster and Ross need to play physical with T.O. Hammer him at the line. Knock him out of his rhythm. Even take an early penalty, if necessary. Get him out of his game. Just don’t make him too mad.

KEY INJURIES: Maybe you’ve heard: T.O. has an ankle injury. Don’t worry. He’ll play. … For the Giants, it looks like they’re getting C Shaun O’Hara (knee) back, but don’t count on CB Sam Madison (stomach) and definitely don’t count on CB Kevin Dockery (hip). Just what they need against a top passing offense — a depleted secondary.

THE GIANTS WILL WIN IF …: Eli Manning continues to manage a game rather than trying to win it by himself, the pass rush gets to Tony Romo and/or T.O.’s ankle is worse than we think. First things first: I usually say the key for the Giants is the running game, but against a high-scoring offense I don’t think that will be enough. Manning needs to be good, and while he doesn’t need to out-play Tony Romo, he needs to at least hang with him a little. To do that, though, the Giants can’t revert to their crazy, fling-the-ball-anywhere ways. They have found success with Manning in letting him throw shorter, high-percentage passes and picking his spots for downfield throws. There’s no reason why a 10-yard pass to Plaxico Burress or Kevin Boss can’t turn into a 25-yard gain. Manning has terrific weapons. He should just get the ball to his playmakers and let them make plays. It will help, too, if Romo isn’t allowed to run free. That’s where the pass rush comes in. They need to do to Romo what they did to Jeff Garcia last week. And containing him is even more important because he’s as good as there is at throwing on the run. And if he gets time to throw and T.O. is healthy, watch out, because the Giants’ secondary can’t stop him. If T.O. is slowed, though, it’s going to make the job of the Giants’ defense much, much easier.

THE COWBOYS WILL WIN IF …: Tony Romo and Terrell Owens get enough time to do that thing they do so well. The Cowboys’ passing offense is explosive and we all saw what they did to the Giants’ secondary in the first two meetings. Why were they so successful? Because the Giants’ pass rush couldn’t get anywhere near Romo and he had all the time in the world to find many open holes. If his outstanding offensive line can protect him again, he and T.O. could have another field day. And if the Giants concentrate their efforts on Owens, so what? Romo’s still got Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten and Terry Glenn (Didn’t I say this already?). Time is the essence of this game. The more time Romo has to work — either in the pocket, or in terms of time of possession — the more points he’s likely to score. And the Giants aren’t going to win this game if it’s a shootout. They need to keep the score down.

THE PICK: Of the four games this weekend, I absolutely believe the Giants have the best chance to pull off the road upset. The Cowboys are slumping and the Giants are as hot and as confident as any team in the NFC. Also, I believe they are a different, stronger team than they were each of the two times they faced the Cowboys. The defense isn’t the disaster it was in the opener, and the offense is better than it was in the second game. It’s no small thing either that Manning is riding the best two-game stretch of his career. But there are two reasons why I can’t pick the Giants to pull off the upset: The Cowboys still have the same strong offensive line, and I still don’t trust the Giants’ secondary. I think the Giants will get more of a pass rush on Romo, but it won’t be anything near what they did to Garcia, and that will give Romo time to shred the Giants’ defensive backfield. And given all his weapons in the passing game, this is the worst possible matchup for the Giants. They can’t contain teams with three talented receivers and a good, pass-catching tight end. It’s a big reason why they gave up so many points and yards in their games against the Cowboys, Patriots and Packers this year. And that’s another strike against the Giants. They have proved they might be the best second-tier team in the NFL, but given four chances to step up in class, they failed every time. Yes, they were very good against the Patriots, but they still lost the game. And their two losses to the Cowboys were no flukes. I know the Cowboys have struggled down the stretch, but I think the last two weeks had more to do with the T.O. injury than anything else. And no, I don’t care that Romo was partying with Jessica last weekend. Maybe they were studying game film together. Who really knows? Regardless, this is going to be a close game and the Giants are going to be in it until the end – much more so than they were in either of the first two meetings. But if this comes down to one final drive at the end of the game, I can’t see the Giants slowing down the Romo-Owens express. I trust them more than I trust the Giants to get in position in the fourth quarter to win the game.

Final score: Cowboys 30, Giants 27.

11 Comments

Reasonable analysis......but reasonable analysis would have suggested that the Giants would be crushed by NE and lost to Tampa.........I agree that TO will get his pound of flesh on the Giants but I think three of our Rookies are going to have a huge game.......Bradshaw, Boss and Smith.........

As for the injured secondary, Madison and Dockery were toasted by the Cowboys.......Webster and Ross won't do any worse and are more physical at the line.........
Posted by Jersey Joe 1 on January 11, 2008 3:37 PM

Cowboys deserve to be favorites. The Giants have to slow that offense down. Force field goals and some punts.
This would be a huge win for the Giants. Think about how the Cowboys will get fried by fans and media if they lose.
It would be a very satisfying win if the Giants can make this happen.
Posted by bobfrostswoods on January 11, 2008 3:43 PM

Drive TO in that ankle early and often. Have him on the sidelines or limping hard by the 4th quarter.
Posted by DatMel on January 11, 2008 3:50 PM

Right score. Wrong winner.
Posted by Lawza on January 11, 2008 4:08 PM

Jersey Joe nails it at 3:37 pm EST.

To win, we've got to play classic Giants football. Long, clock-chewing drives. Force some mistakes on defense. Hit everything that moves. And a little luck would be nice.
Posted by HughG16 on January 11, 2008 4:09 PM

only way cowboys are going to lose is if the irving police department pulls tony romo over (for being hispanic and have to prove he is a U S RESIDENT) for no turn signal............enough. they are racist, another FARMERS BRANCH,TEXAS.......GLAD THEY'RE MOVIG TO ARLINGTON,TEXAS....NOW I CAN GO TO A GAME. instead of having to watch the GIANTS get demolished at the hands of the PRO BOWL POSSE. we only look for championships. we go and search and destroy. NOT TALK ALL NIGHT LONG ABOUT THIS AND THAT AND IF THEY WOULD HAVE DONE IT THIS WAY OR THAT WAY........if BARBER wouldnt hae retired.....PRO BOWL POSSE 42-"THE TEAM"13.......and YALL can have BILL PARCELLS. makin deals n parkin lots.
Posted by gustavo175sr on January 11, 2008 4:11 PM

Giants 35 Cowboys 31......but the Cowboys will miss recovering the on-side kick at the end!

Go Giants! Proud to be a New York Giant!
Posted by GiantBlue on January 11, 2008 4:14 PM

Like I've said..the writing is on the wall for TO to have a HUGE game. He's an attention grabbing whore who revels in the spotlight. He's been in it all week. He's going to want to look like a hero on Sunday. I'm saying he catches 8 balls for 120 and 2 TD's.( to clarify: I HATE TO and the day he reitres will be the best day ever, but he OWNS the Giants) It wouldn't surprise me to see Dallas blow the Giants out. They have the internet...they've seen all this "Dallas is slumping" stuff, TO's ankle, Romo/Simpson, etc...The Giants I think are in an impossible spot...
Posted by rich42 on January 11, 2008 4:21 PM

Ok look, I think any reasonable NFL fan can see Dallas is the better team. Stats dont lie. Just like between Tampa and the Giants everyone that even had a clue about the game knew Garcia wasnt gonna bring the magic again. That he couldnt hold off that defense. Butt Dallas' O-line matches up well against NY's D-line. I think Boss and Bradshaw have done an outstanding job for the NY. But Texas Stadium is gonna be loud (12th man). Brady James will be gunning for those running backs and if they can stop Adrian Peterson they can stop Bradshaw. Eli will get a strong dose of Ware and Tank Johnson. After all the trash talk by the media about Dallas losing. Dallas is out to prove itself again. Make no mistake they will be focused and you wont see the team you saw playing the Eagles or the Skins. I personally think that the attitude from the players is way off. They had 2 chances to beat Dallas and lost both. Don't hate, out play them if you want to get the respect you think you deserve.
Dallas - 35 Giants - 14
Posted by Giant's playoff run ends Sunday on January 11, 2008 4:21 PM

Good analysis, Ralph. But you are giving the Giants fans false hope. I just can't see it being close. The secondary, even when healthy, is a liability. Now it seems that, just like last year, they are pulling DB's out of the stands to fill roster spots.
Combine that with a Dallas offensive line that has completely negated any pass rush, (Osi, are you there?), and Romo will be good for 3 TD's and 350 yards.
It was a nice run by a better than expected Giants team. But the party is over.
Cowpiles win by 2 TD's. Will that be enough to rid us of Coughlin?? Please!
Posted by The Original Carbo on January 11, 2008 4:39 PM

Carbo make put all your money on NY turning their back on Coughlin and Eli again after Sunday. Fickle fans to say the least.
Posted by Giant's playoff run ends Sunday on January 11, 2008 4:42 PM

http://www.msgnetwork.com/content_news.jsp?articleID=20080111215825380000101-a&docType=news&sports=baseball&league=mlb&team=yankees&newsgroup=null


Jan 11, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Phil Hughes keeps hearing the trade rumors. If the Yankees acquire Johan Santana from Minnesota, Hughes wound wind up with the Twins,

"I try to avoid the rumors best I can, but you eventually here it from friends, family and the whole deal," Hughes said after working out Friday at the Yankees' minor league complex. "You never want to hear your name out there, but on the other side, at least it's good to know that other teams think highly of you. I wouldn't say tough winter, but definitely an interesting one."

Hughes, a 21-year-old right-hander, hasn't talked with team officials in Tampa about the trade possibility since his named surfaced in talks in November.

"I actually heard my name out there for the first time from my dad," Hughes said. "Then I just called my agent to see if there's anything to it, and found there was. That's the exact of the contact I've had."

Hughes is focused on the one thing he can control, preparing for the 2008 season. He started a throwing program four weeks ago.

"I want to get on a mound before spring training starts, and maybe get four or five bullpens in," Hughes said. "Physically, everything is good."

Hughes made his major league debut on April 26 last year and threw 6 1-3 no-hit innings at Texas five days later before hurting his hamstring. After losing additional time to an ankle injury, Hughes finished with a 5-3 record and a 4.46 ERA. He was 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in his final four starts and also threw 3 2-3 scoreless innings for a playoff win over Cleveland out of the bullpen.

Two other pitching prospects, Humberto Sanchez and Andrew Brackman, are taking part in throwing programs after elbow ligament replacement surgery last year.

Sanchez, one of three pitchers obtained from Detroit for outfielder Gary Sheffield, expects to throw off a mound by late next month.

"It's going well," Sanchez said. "So far, so good. We're on the right track. Hopefully there are no setbacks."

Sanchez, who had surgery April 18, could be ready for minor league games in May.

Brackman, the Yankees' first round pick in the 2007 amateur draft, is scheduled to start throwing from 90 feet next week. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound right-hander from North Carolina State had surgery on Aug. 24 and was expected to be sidelined 12-to-18 months.

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/


A day after it was rumored that the Yankees were interested in him, Mike Cameron has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Imagine our shock, a free agent using a New York team to get the deal he wanted from another team.

There were reports that Alex Rodriguez wanted Cameron to join him with the Yankees. But while A-Rod may want a designated friend to replace Doug Mientkiewicz, the Yankees seem content with Melky Cabrera in center field.

Meanwhile, the blog had one of our operatives in Tampa today and he reports Phil Hughes, Humberto Sanchez, Andrew Brackman and Jeff Karstens were working out under the supervision of new pitching coach Dave Eiland.

Joba Chamberlain is also due in town. Nice to see so many of the young guys getting a head start. Sanchez and Brackman are coming off Tommy John surgery. Sanchez will be able to pitch at some point this season but Brackman not until 2009.

Said our operative, “Brackman looked like Manute Bol out there.”

————

Clear skies and mild temperatures are expected in bucolic Foxboro, Mass., tomorrow night. That’s good news as I will be in Section 131 with my brother-in-law Brian to see the mighty Patriots.

To repeat my picks for this weekend: Patriots 31, Jaguars 21; Packers 28, Seahawks 21; Giants 21, Cowboys 17; Colts 31, Chargers 14.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3192411


COLUMBUS, Ohio -- If Ohio State is to make a run for a third-straight appearance in the BCS championship game next season, some familiar stars will be there to help the cause.

Draft eligible

Who's decided to leave college before their senior season to enter the NFL draft? Here's the list.

Brian Robiskie, the Buckeyes' top receiver, and star cornerback Malcom Jenkins will both return for their senior seasons. Jenkins' decision to return was reported by ESPN's Joe Schad.

However, the Buckeyes will lose defensive end Vernon Gholston, who told Schad he will enter the NFL draft. Additionally, Jenkins said linebacker James Laurinaitis and linebacker Marcus Freeman are torn about returning to Ohio State or entering the NFL draft, Schad reported.

Gholston surpassed Mike Vrabel's single-season school record with 14 sacks and was eighth on the team with 37 tackles. He is listed at 264 pounds and could be drafted in the first round.

Robiskie said there's still a lot he wants to accomplish in college, including winning a national championship. The Buckeyes were defeated 38-24 by LSU in this season's BCS title game and lost the 2006 national championship game to Florida, 41-14.

Robiskie had 55 catches for 935 yards, and his 11 touchdowns were tied for fourth-highest in Ohio State history.

The 20-year-old son of former Cleveland Browns interim head coach Terry Robiskie had been mentioned as one of the juniors who could leave early for the NFL. Members of Robiskie's class must declare their draft intentions by Tuesday.

Jenkins, who had 47 tackles and four interceptions, said winning the Jim Thorpe Award is one of his goals next season. The award is given annually to the nation's top defensive back.

"What's important to me is accomplishing more. I want to win the Thorpe. I want to be a first-team All-American," Jenkins said. "I want to win a national championship. I want to experience a senior season. You can't put a price tag on that. To be paid to play football is just a benefit. I'm not ready to transition to the next stage of my life yet."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Martinez is the only Mets prospect that interests me as a Twins fan. Gomez blows- he's like a CF version of Luis Rivas. Guerra is an interesting prospect but the problem with him and Martinez is risk- both could easily be busts. If you're going to trade Johan Santana, you need confidence in the return.

I think the Mets are in the discussion mainly to put pressure on the Yankees and Red Sox. No four Mets prospects constitute a sufficient offer.

Posted by: jehu | January 11, 2008 at 01:52 PM

"Don't be greedy. You're already getting the Mets top 4 prospects.

Or maybe, as has been suggested, the Mets haven't yet offered the top four. Martinez AND Gomez would probably have gotten it done already, just as Ellsbury AND Lester or Hughes AND Kennedy would. First team to change their "or" to "and" wins."

The Mets top four aren't equivalent to the top four of every other team. Certainly not the Red Sox who are rated with the second best farm in BaseballAmerica's 2008 prospect report.

You're prolly right about whoever finally budges getting Santana, I just don't think the deals are equal (but i do think mets are most likely to be the team that budges). I can't find the actual source of it anymore, but in something i read on Baseball America about a week ago, it was said that in an internal meeting of the Indians' higher ups after the ALCS, it was unanimously agree that Lester was the second best pitcher on the BoSox next to only Beckett (better than wake, better than schilling, better than matsuzaka...pretty sure it didn't count Buch tho). I'm not sure what they were evaluating that by, because the article where i read it didn't go into more detail than that.

Posted by: gfulla | January 11, 2008 at 02:00 PM

We need to use a common sense filter on some of this stuff. The Metsblog post is some combination of wishful thinking and cherry picking information.

A simple look at the synthesis of information shows us that easily:
"It seems the Mets are in the lead for Santana, proactively trying to find a way to make it work. They are Santana's preference, they have the money for him, and they might have the players to get it done."

If they are in the lead then why would they need to be searching for a way to make it work? All this means is they lead all the involved teams in the want category which is something that has not changed all along. All the involved teams have the money (the yankees have it they just might not want to spend it) so this little tidbit is irrelevant to the mets chances. How many times does the information surrounding the team in the "lead" come with the caveat that they MIGHT have the players to get it done. Just does not make any sense. I am extremely skeptical that Johan prefers the Mets to the point of forcing a deal there. I am skeptical he prefers the Mets at all. The Twins obviously prefer the Mets but all Santana wants is his contract and to go to a winner (of the three involved I would have to say the Mets are the least likely to perennially be in contention to win the series).

Just look at the previous Santana post on metsblog. It tries to make it sound better than it is saying gleeman believes a package with martinez would blow the hughes one out of the water. However, if you read the actual post gleeman says the current real offer by the mets is clearly third.

So essentially more desperate digging for Santana rumors. All this hoopla says is that everything is the same as it has been. Mets want Santana bad, Twins want to send Santana to the Mets, the Mets do not have the prospects to get it done unless they gut their system to a point it is not worth it (and even then it is questionable if their offer would be better). An obvious lowball offer by the Red Sox is the best the Twins have and they are desperately trying to make some team do something stupid and as of yet no one has taken the bait.

Posted by: walkoffblast | January 11, 2008 at 02:46 PM

walkoffblast - why are you complaining about metsblog in here?

Posted by: touchmymonkey | January 11, 2008 at 03:03 PM

uh - what am I missing - why are you complaining about posts in metsblog? You make fine points but them seem to be aimed at a different blogsite - not all of us readmetsblog or care to so we might not know what you are talking about.


It appears that DC Comics is "no longer talking to Marvel about Spiderman."

Radio Comix is now in the mix for Spiderman though Spidey has not publicly stated whether he'd waive his NT clause for Radio Comix.

Posted by: levelboss | January 11, 2008 at 06:19 PM

Fair points, all of them. I am just going to play devil's advocate though for a second.


"Right. But the Mets are paying to keep him out of the hands of the Yankees. 7/$140 is sadly enough not so crazy and I think Zito's contract outlines that.

Someone will pay him and the Mets certainly might be that team. "

Ok, but look at how bad the Zito contract looks right now. Just because somebody is willing to offer 7 years doesnt make it responsible. There have been really no examples of 7 year contracts or more working out for a pitcher.

"I would love to make a deal without two the big three, but that is impossible. If a they must do a deal, keep Fernando.

I do not think it is unreasonable to think CC or Santana (and perhaps both) will be out there. But going all out on the market for them might mean paying more than they would have for now. "

Agreed on the money issue, but that is a much easier pill to swallow when you arent unloading so much of your future, no? Also, I would try to go to a 5/140 deal with Santana, frontloaded and with deferred money for like 20 years after his contract expires if possible. Tell him that he will be able to sign another deal at 35 years old.

"I think Guerra is a legit ace prospect, but Johan will vastly outperform him over the next seven years and that is really what the Mets need, right?"

Again, I think that the Mets have as good a chance right now to make it to the world series as any other team in the NL. Without Santana. You all may disagree, but that is how I feel. Once you make it to the world series(people can say what they want about how the AL is dominant over the NL, but the fact is a 7 game series is too short of a sample size to measure the better team, its like comparing two hitters through 60 at bats instead of 600.) the hot team will win. I am willing to take that chance on getting hot and beating a better team like the Cards in 06, and willing to gamble that our prospects that would have been included in any Santana trade will turn out positive value in the next 8 years or so. I think I would rather have the 12 gaurunteed years of Guerra and Martinez/Gomez over the 1 year of Santana we are paying for, extension or not.

Getting Santana may make them the NL favorite right now, but what happens in a couple of years when Delgado, Pedro and a lot fo the older guys are gone and our system is dry. Unless the Mets stop using the slotting system in the draft (which is looking more and more possible), and show an ability to replenish their system quickly (like the Yankees recently have done), which they have never done before it would mean we are looking at a team with Maine, Perez (?), Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Church, and then what? The free agent market hasnt been flooding with talent the last few years. And the guys that do hit the market require huge deals, even the mediocre guys. Thats a way that you can end up with an old, bad, espensive team in a hurry, and thats not something I am interested in.

Posted by: nrmax88 | January 11, 2008 at 06:28 PM

I have to think the Twins desire to see Santana in the NL is in play.

Beckett, Dice-K, Santana, Buchholz
Santana, Wang, Joba, Kennedy

Twins would be hard pressed to make the WS, oh and the Angels, Indians, Tigers

To me, the Mets offer isn't overly impressive, top prospects, but thats the Mets top prospets, some of those guys wouldn't make the RS or Yankees top 10.

Posted by: quintjs | January 11, 2008 at 06:38 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7663966

Another source, however, says the Yankees no longer are talking to the Twins about Santana and simply chose to keep their outfield intact rather than sign Cameron. Hank Steinbrenner has been the Yankees' executive most adamant about landing Santana, but he seemingly has backed off in his most recent public comments.