Twins betting Santana Stakes still 3-horse race

Pats deal with image


http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/SPORTS/801160361/1007/SPORTS
By HOWARD ULMAN The Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots owner Robert Kraft sat behind his wide desk and marveled at how his team's jersey could be the target of so many boos — even when it's worn by a 14-year-old girl.

This wasn't Randy Moss or Rodney Harrison hearing the catcalls. They're used to it.

This was Anna Grant, a high school freshman who had worked hard to win the Punt, Pass & Kick competition in her age group as the team's representative.

When she was introduced along with the other winners before the fourth quarter of San Diego's playoff win last Sunday, she was the only one booed by the crowd in Indianapolis, home of New England's fiercest rival.

"Why should a champion be booed?" the boss of the three-time Super Bowl winners said Tuesday. "She won an intensive competition. She's supposed to be honored."

His team is getting the same reaction — not because of the spying incident in the season opener but because fans like to see teams at the top get knocked off, he said. If the Chargers can't do it Sunday, New England will be headed to its fourth Super Bowl in seven seasons.

But first comes the coin flip before the AFC championship and Grant will be out on the field for that, invited by Kraft, who felt badly that she had been booed.

"What I decided is that we would honor her here before this game," Kraft said in an interview in his office filled with photos, footballs and other memorabilia. "We will recognize her as the winner on the field. Our fans will know."

Grant returned from school Tuesday and heard a phone message from Andre Tippett, the Patriots' executive director of community affairs and a former star linebacker.

She called back and was ecstatic when Tippett extended the invitation — plus tickets for her, her parents and two brothers — to take part.

"I was just in shock," she said.

Kraft knows the hoots were not directed at the high school freshman from Stratham, N.H., about 20 miles north of the Massachusetts border. It's just that the jersey provokes an instant response, usually a negative one.

Grant also understands, and even smiled when she heard the boos.

"Before I went down there, my friends said, 'You know, you'll probably get booed,"' she said in a telephone interview. "I was kind of waiting for it.

"It really didn't bother me at all," she added. "People at the game came up to me afterward and said, 'It's not you. It's your jersey."'

It wasn't always that way.

When Adam Vinatieri's last-play field goal gave the Patriots their first championship as huge underdogs to the St. Louis Rams after the 2001 season, red, white and blue confetti — not boos — poured down in the Louisiana Superdome.

It came less than five months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"I remember saying when I hoisted the (championship) trophy, 'We are all Patriots and tonight the Patriots are world champions,"' Kraft said. "We were the underdogs. No one expected (it). Now what's happened is, we've had a modicum of success.

"I noticed it with the second title that we went after. Already people had switched and I think people outside of New England want to see different (winners). It's sort of like the Yankees. There was a resentment, but a respect for the Yankees."

The Yankees have declined since their dominance of the late 90s. The Patriots are better than ever, perhaps the best team in NFL history.

"Jealousy and envy comes in the more you win and people say, 'Give someone else a chance and let someone else do it,"' Kraft said. "I understand that."

It's better than the alternative.

Before he bought the team in January 1994, the Patriots had missed the playoffs for the previous seven seasons. In just his third year, they were in the Super Bowl — losing to Green Bay in the same building where they would win their first title five years later.

At least fans care now, even if they boo.

"I see it as sort of respect in a way," Kraft said. "I think 15 years ago, 18 years ago, someone could have worn our jersey and I just think there would have been no reaction."

Grant plans to wear some Patriots apparel again Sunday, probably a hat. The reaction will be much warmer.

"In a way, the fact that this young lady was booed is a compliment to the New England Patriots fans because we're relevant," Kraft said. "And, we're good

Hope on the horizon

http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/christensen/



The Twins have big holes in their minor-league system, no doubt. One thing really hurting them is their lack of major league ready position prospects. This has been well-documented.

Now, for some good news: They might have another star catcher on the horizon in 20-year-old Wilson Ramos.

I started paying attention to Ramos, when La Velle listed him at No. 8 on the season ending list of the Twins’ Top 10 prospects. The reviews keep getting better. The other day, a prominent agent compared Ramos to a young Pudge Rodriguez defensively.

Then, I found some eye-popping numbers from Ramos in the recently completed Parallel League in Venezuela. In 29 games, Ramos batted .410/.442/.886 with 13 home runs and 38 RBI. The Parallel League is the feeder league for the Venezuelan winter league, and the caliber is about that of rookie ball here in the States.
Anyway, after handling himself very well as a 19-year-old for Class A Beloit last summer, Ramos tore ligaments in his right thumb on Aug. 28, so he wasn’t available for the team’s playoff run. But it sounds like he’s got a good chance of starting this year at Class A Fort Myers.

For loyal readers, who can remember my fixation with Jeff Manship last year, I think we’ve found the early favorite for my frequent in-season updates on a prominent prospect.

Hope on the horizon
Wednesday, January 16th, 2008

WilsonRamos_1.jpgThe Twins have big holes in their minor-league system, no doubt. One thing really hurting them is their lack of major league ready position prospects. This has been well-documented.

Now, for some good news: They might have another star catcher on the horizon in 20-year-old Wilson Ramos.

I started paying attention to Ramos, when La Velle listed him at No. 8 on the season ending list of the Twins’ Top 10 prospects. The reviews keep getting better. The other day, a prominent agent compared Ramos to a young Pudge Rodriguez defensively.

Then, I found some eye-popping numbers from Ramos in the recently completed Parallel League in Venezuela. In 29 games, Ramos batted .410/.442/.886 with 13 home runs and 38 RBI. The Parallel League is the feeder league for the Venezuelan winter league, and the caliber is about that of rookie ball here in the States.

Anyway, after handling himself very well as a 19-year-old for Class A Beloit last summer, Ramos tore ligaments in his right thumb on Aug. 28, so he wasn’t available for the team’s playoff run. But it sounds like he’s got a good chance of starting this year at Class A Fort Myers.

For loyal readers who can remember my fixation with Jeff Manship last year, I think we’ve found the early favorite for my frequent in-season updates on a prominent prospect.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 10:17 am and is filed under Down on the farm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
9 Responses to "Hope on the horizon"

MH says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:22 am

So that gives us Mauer/Morales/Butera/Ramos? nice..

Does the Morales kid have some trade value? Or will he be getting any at bats up here in the bigs?

Seems like we have some solid catching throughout the twins system.. which is good..

Todd Anthony says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:27 am

Time to trade Mauer

Justin says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:32 am

i think we could keep mauer prospects are at a market value high now i think if mauer out grows he position like they say he is he maybe moved to a differnt position we could trade 2 of them keep the one with the most upside maybe use them to ante up offers with santana.

MH says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:35 am

mauer will be wearing a twins uniform for his entire career

atleast he should

RyanW says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:36 am

Good catching prospects in the minors are good to have when you have good pitching prospects in the minors.

This is good to hear.

MH says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am

I think we should package a young catcher in a trade.. The mets are high strung to find a catcher, Sox and Yanks both have Older catchers.. throw em a young catcher!

Shawn says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:42 am

I agree MH throw them a catcher along with santana and see if that ups there offer at all, its worth a try to get this whole thing over with.

BC Beneke says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:44 am

So the Twins know Catching, We have a pretty good grasp on pitching. We seem to have a pretty good grasp on speed.

Can we concentrate on teaching the guys with speed to hit the ball on the ground, how to run the bases properly???

Can we work on developping power out of hitters, and overall we need to work on their onbase percentage.

I hope Ramos is as good as stated. It would be nice…

And let’s not add Butera to that list. He will never be a starting catcher. He will at best be a backup catcher his whole life.

BC Beneke says:

January 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am

Santana and Morales to the Red Sox for Lester, Elsbury, Lowrie, Masterson?

That aught to upset red sox fans. lol. I know they will never be put into a trade together… blah blah blah… after day 80 of the Santana trade rumors I get bored.

Would adding Morales be enough to get Kennedy, or Jackson into a deal with the Yankees?

Would it be enough to get the Mets to quit pretending to be big boys, and actually step up and be men, and make a deal to save some dignity after last season?

Pats deal with image.Pats Owners compares his Patriots with the Yankees . Pats had The second highest payroll in NFL. What are your thoughts Mr.Mortenson? I hates Patriots..


"I remember saying when I hoisted the (championship) trophy, 'We are all Patriots and tonight the Patriots are world champions,"' Kraft said. "We were the underdogs. No one expected (it). Now what's happened is, we've had a modicum of success.

"I noticed it with the second title that we went after. Already people had switched and I think people outside of New England want to see different (winners). It's sort of like the Yankees. There was a resentment, but a respect for the Yankees."

"Jealousy and envy comes in the more you win and people say, 'Give someone else a chance and let someone else do it,"' Kraft said. "I understand that."

Chat with Chris Mortensen

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=18834
Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen will stop by to take your questions about the conference title games!

Send your questions now and join Mort on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET!

Mortensen Archive: Chats | Columns

David (NY, NY): Since Sparano was a O-Line coach, do the Dolphins take the OT Long from Michigan with the first pick in the draft?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:05 AM ET ) Maybe but not for that reason. The Dolphins' pick will be the best big-guy, 10-year player. Long meets that criteria.

Bud, Huntington Beach, CA): Mort, I've always believed it usually takes a team a few years before they can develop into a championship caliber team. Hence, Rivers is still developing. Do you think that the Chargers are more a work in progress rather than a now or never team?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:06 AM ET ) They have been a pretty strong foundation with a very good roster that has good young players, not to mention a young quarterback.

Tom (FL): Who does Sparano look for at Def-Coor? Is Rex Ryan available? Is he a good fit? Who could the Off-Coor?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:08 AM ET ) Ryan is available. Monte Kiffin is available. Jim Schwartz is available. But I can see either Paul Pasqualoni or Todd Bowles from the Cowboys being that guy.

Carlos, Miami FL: Do you think the Chargers have a chance against the Pats?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:11 AM ET ) I want to say yes but it's difficlt if LT, Gates, Rivers aren;t healthy (and they're not). Lot of talent on the Chargers.

Art (Atlanta, GA): Is Carrol in the mix anymore for the Falcons coaching job? Who are the top candidates? Thanks!

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:13 AM ET ) No, Pete Carroll is out. Garrett, Rex Ryans, Jim Caldwell are the leaders in the clubhouse. I do think Josh McDaniels could be a sleeper there.

Scott (Reno): What does Norm Chow do now? Call up Hawaii before their press conference today or hope for another OC job in the NFL?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:15 AM ET ) Norm should be a valued coordinator. He did a great job with the Titans. Hawaii has their man and I think Norm would really like to stay in the NFL. BTW, Mike Heimerdinger will be the new guy with Titans.

Mike Atlanta, GA: If Holmgren retires, who are the best candidates for the Seattle job? Would Seattle be attractive to Pete Carroll?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:16 AM ET ) Jim Mora is anatrual for the Seahawks and well-deserving. Yes, I do think that job would intrigue Carroll but he wouldn't get control of the football operation.

Greg (Stephens Cit;y, VA): Why didn't Garret accept the Ravens job yesterday? Baltimore has to be a much more attractive position that Atlanta.

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:17 AM ET ) I have alwys thought Garrett was more likely to stay in Dallas. I also think he if does take another job, Baltimore has the edge, although Atlanta is making a string pitch and probably offering much more money.

Nate (Madison): Norm could only do so much with the lack of talent the Titans had on offense and having a rookie/young quarterback. I mean they didn't have one TRUE 25 carry RB that was consistantly healthy and their WR's or TE's sure were not anything special.

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:18 AM ET ) All great points. What kind of skill guys did they have on offense?

Nigel (Ohio): Mort who do you think gets the call for the hall this year? Any chance Monk,Carter,and Reed get in the same year togther?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:19 AM ET ) It's possible, although my gut says one will get left out. I believe Gary Zimmerman has to get in.

Jordan (Dallas): If Garrett goes too, could Chow come to Dallas?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:19 AM ET ) He'd be perfect for them but Cam Cameron could get a look and they might promote Ray Sherman from within, too.

Mike (Mpls): Why are people making such a big deal of Rivers talking trash when other players do it just as often? Rodney Harrison makes Rivers' smack talk look like child's play but he gets a free ride?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:21 AM ET ) It's because he's a quarterback and I don't believe Rodney Harrison talks more smack than Rivers. It's funny, when Rivers came out for the draft I asked a coach on that staff (who loved Phillip) to tell me the one thing about him that nobody knows. He told me Rivers was one of the biggest trash talkers anyone will ever see. Quarterbacks are supposed to be different.

Henry (Silver Spring,MD): Is Greg Williams the number 1 choice for the redskins? If not who is?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:22 AM ET ) I have assumed Williams is the leading candidate but watch out for Jim Mora. He will interview very well today.

Denny (ATL): kind of under the radar, but I think a good move by the Browns in getting rid of Grantham for Mel Tucker....have you heard anything about what went down there?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:23 AM ET ) I heard it was more about personality and chemistry than anything else.

Terrence (Jacksonville, Fla.): Mort, does David Garrard make Tony Romo or Matt Schaub money next year? Are the rumors true that Larry Fitzgerald or Ocho-Cinco could end up wearing Jaguar teal in 2008?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:27 AM ET ) I would hope the Jags would do the right thing and give Garrard a contract that comopares to Romo and Schaub. I don't know about the receivers. That would have to take a trade and it's a little early.

Larry - Boston: Mort - Do you see Ex- Nebraska coach Bill Callahan getting back into the NFL this year as an assistant ?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:27 AM ET ) I expect it, maybe even back with the Bucs as an asst head coach or with somebody else as line coach.

Falcons Fan: Who do you see out there that would be crazy in being intrested in the Head Coaching Job? After all, all we have going for us is that we have an owner that is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful!

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:28 AM ET ) Rex Ryan will take it. Jim Caldwell will, too.

Adam (Lakefield, MN): Big, frustrated Vikings fan. Do you think Tarvaris Jackson is the short term answer with our aging defense, to take us to the playoffs, or does the team need to look at free-agency next year. If so, what are some good options?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:30 AM ET ) I think they need to bring in an upgrade with a veteran, but still with the idea that Jackson is the starter until he plays himself out of it. The Vikes have a shot to be a playoff team, without question.

Matt (Philly): Is Jim Harbaugh a candidate for any head coaching positions?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:31 AM ET ) No, but his brother John (Eagles) has an excellent shot at the Ravens job if Garrett passes.

Jason (Iowa): I'll admit it, I was frustrated for the first few years, but the Ted Thompson blueprint of building only throught the draft and not free agency has worked. Is there any team out there right now that is set up better for the long run than the Packers?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:32 AM ET ) Well, I agree that we all sold Thomspon a little short. He's a terrific football man, low key and clearly his own man. The Packers are set up great for the long run, especially if Aaron Rodgers is the guy at Qb, although I can see them drafting an acquiring another one just in case.

Sean (Pittsburgh): What kind of numbers is it going to take for Ben Roethlisberger to sign that extension?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:33 AM ET ) It would have to be in excess of Romo.

Brian D. Adams (Prague, VA): Is Jared Allan going to be franchised by the Chiefs?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:34 AM ET ) Yes, he is, unless they get him signed to a long-term deal.

pete rockville, MD: Who is the next coach in Iny if Dungy retires and Caldwell goes to another team?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:34 AM ET ) Leslie Frazier (Vikes) would be a leading candidate.

Brian D. Adams (Prague, VA): How many people are summiting questions to you in one of these chat secession?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:36 AM ET ) I usually get about a 1,000 per session, although I have exceeded 3,000 before.

Brody (Miami): Chris, please help me out here. I'm tired of people pumping up Glen Dorsey as a #1 overall pick. I have yet to see him take over a game. The great DTs took over games in college (Sapp, Haynesworth, etc..), and he did none of that. The guy can't stay healthy and "occupies blockers". This sounds like the second coming of Eric Swann or Dwyane Roberson. Am I wrong here? You can get a good 300-pounder to "occupy blockers" much later in the draft.

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:38 AM ET ) You might be right. I think he may be a little undersized for Parcells and Ireland but let them do the evaluation. I haven't ruled out a QB for them, or they could grab one of the Longs. Also, a trade would be desirable, without question, if they can find a partner.

Eric (Sioux City): What's up with your boy Matt Jones? Will he ever develop into the receiver you predicted?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:39 AM ET ) Matt will only be what I projected if he buys into the daily regimen of being a pro. Now he was among the top 3 WRs in production in his draft class the first 2 years. He fell out of favor this year with a different pos. coach, o/c,...He has the talent. Does he have the passion to reach his potential? Will he pay the price? He has the answers.

Jacob (Sioux Falls, SD): I was looking at espn's NFL mock draft last month and I was wondering if the Cowboys were going to trade up to get McFadden. The mock draft said they would go for Limus Sweed but they have some good WR's and just extended Crayton's Contract. JJ is also on the go. Would getting McFadden be a good move for the Cowboys?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:43 AM ET ) I think the Cowboys would have a difficult time getting to No. 1 for McFadden. I can see them eyeballing his teammate, Felix Jones, around that 20 mark, maybe even moving up a few spots to grab him. Great complement with Marion Barber.

Kyle (Baltimore, MD): What do you know about John Harbaugh? What makes him uniquely qualified for the position? What kind of changes can he (or Garrett) enact on that unruly locker room?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:44 AM ET ) Harbaugh is considered a dynamic leader with a good football mind. The Ravens like that he has been around Andy Reid all this time, too. You are right - getting a handle on that Ravens' locker room is going to be a priority.

Jason, Fl: I know there is a value chart that most NFL executives go by, what is the value of the number one overall pick? and can the Fins get that value from anyone?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:45 AM ET ) I believe they will have to igonore the value chart to trade out of there. and that's OK.

The Commish (ATl:): Do you really think Caldwell would take the Atlanta job? And is he a better fit for the Falcons over Ryan?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:46 AM ET ) I love Caldwell and yes, I think he would take the Atl job if offered right now. Better fit? I like 'em both and can make a case for both guys.

Joe (N.O.): Why haven't we heard Mike Singletary's name come up for any of the Head Coaching openings?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:47 AM ET ) People just feel he's not ready.

Frank (Toms River, NJ): Any indications Mort on when Garrett will make his decision about the Ravens, Falcons and Cowboys?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:48 AM ET ) I kind of expect something by the end of the day or Thursday at the latest.

David (iowa city): Do you think Ron Turner will bless the bears fans and leave?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:48 AM ET ) I don't think that would be a blessing.

Erik (Atlanta, Ga): Mort are there any franchise type QB's in this draft. Can you rank Brohm, Ryan, Woodson, and Brennan? thanks

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:49 AM ET ) They all have different qualities. I may like 'em in the exact order you listed. I would put Brennan higher but I think he needs a couple of more years of physical maturity. I believe there are a bunch of good ones that could be had in the 2nd qtr so a team doesn't have to force one early.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA): Is Joe Flacco the real deal? I watched some tape on him and I'm very, very impressed!

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:50 AM ET ) Me too! I can't wait to see him this post-season and hear the evaliations. (Flacco is the Delaware QB).

Ron (Atlanta): So if Singletary isn't ready, why is everyone jockeying for Garrett. With only 4 years coaching, what makes him so qualified to run a team.

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:53 AM ET ) I have heard some make that argument. Singletary has never been a coordinator, though, and teams believe you have to be more than a motivational speaker to be successful as a head coach. That's what I have been told.

Jon (Pa): What do you think the chances are that the Ravens draft a QB in the first round? And if they do, who do you think they'll go for?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:54 AM ET ) I expect them to draft an QB and I have heard Matt Ryan could be a target. They may have to move up from 8 to pull that off. Maybe they could be a trade partner with Miami.

steve (la crosse, wi): i thought this chat was supposed to be about the conf. championship games? i think i've only seen one question about that. How do you think GB will fair against NYG?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:55 AM ET ) Thanks. I believe the Packers will win. I can see the Giants pulling off an upset but I think the Packers are too complete to let that happen. But the extreme cold forecast should be a concern for all.

Tommy(TheStatPack): I'm a believer in Mike Singletary and Tony Sparano has never been a coordinator at the NFL level and his head coaching at New Haven doesn't exactly transfer into NFL head coaching.

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:55 AM ET ) Actually, Sparano was pretty much the coordinator AND line coach in Dallas last year.

Rick (Evanston, IL): Re: Singletary. Ditka was never a coordinator either, and he was a pretty good coach. Shouldn't sheer leadership qualities mean something? Who has been a greater or more respected leader of men than Mike Singletary?

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:57 AM ET ) Parcells also was not a coordinator, not was Dan Reeves. I get it. I'm just giving you what I am hearing from teams. It might be telltale that the Ravens chose not to interview him, don't you think? It doesn't diminish Mike's accomplishments and he may need another year or two to get that shot.

SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:57 AM ET ) gotta go do tv. later, God Bless!

It's amazing, ain't it??

The guy admits Hughes is the best talent being offered to the Twins and in the very same breath refers to that package as a "lightweight."

Yes, a package headed by a "middle-of-the-rotation pitcher" and a light-hitting CF'er the Red Sox WANT to get rid of is MUCH better.

Serve it on toast.

Jon Lieber-S-Phillies Jan. 16 - 12:04 pm et

http://rotoworld.com/content/home_MLB.aspx

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Cubs have signed Jon Lieber to a one-year contract.
Lieber is the last Cubs pitcher to win 20 games and pitched for the team from 1999-2002, but missed much of last season with a foot injury and will soon be 38 years old. He's reportedly been assured that he'll have a spot in the Cubs' rotation, which Rosenthal speculates could lead to a Jason Marquis trade or Ryan Dempster returning to the bullpen.
Source: FOXSports.com

The reason why the Cubs arent going after Santana is that they dont have the same quality of prospects that The Yankees or Red Sox do. The Cubs dont have a Hughes or Lester. Pie is "supposed" to be good but is still pretty raw.

I also think its interesting that Rozner thinks the Cubs have the farm to get both Santana AND Roberts. I think thats pretty impossible.
The reason to trade Santana was if the Twins could get a package that would make them better contenders in '08. They could use a lot of position player help, and their dream package of Lester-Ellsbury-Lowr ie would likely have made them a better all-around team this year than keeping Santana - in addition to the future value, of course.

It didn't happen, and maybe it wasn't really that likely to happen, but it didn't hurt the Twins to try. With Stein the Younger new to the job it was always possible he might suffer from "new owner's disease", getting talked into something dumb to make a big splash.

I agree with the prediction that there will be enough desperate teams in July to still get good offers, but not the Yanks' Hughes-Cabrera-Kenne dy (or anything close); they will be too dependent on them to afford the trade by mid-season.

Oh, and as for the idea that Santana won't talk deal during the season, I see that conversation going like this:
Santana: "I won't talk deal during the season."
New Team: "Really? 'Cause we've got this contract here for 1.3 jillion dollars...."
Agent: "My client regrets the unfortunate misinterpretations of his previous comments, and looks forward to this exciting opportunity to join a storied franchise..

I respect Buster Olney ........... sometimes. But seriously what is he talking about? Worth of people in trades is always over exaggerated anyway and saying the deals on the table are 500,000 or 400,000 offers out of 1 million is just ridiculous.
The entire cost of Santana should be factored in to this trade. There is a reason Haren demanded 6 prospects and that is because you get an ace starting for 3 years at half the money the M's are paying Carlos Silva.

The options the Twins have are trade him or keep him and let him walk for nothing (nothing being two draft picks). Like I have said before trading down from the worth of Santana is not the way a good GM should operate (opposing GM anyway), trading up from the cost of the Twins losing Santana (the team that takes him first two draft picks) is the way to go.

So with that said the Twins getting offered four guys who are much more than close to being proven than any first round pick in the 2009 draft would be is about 10 million dollars on the 1 million dollar scale.

buster,

I can't help not caring about the PED zone anymore. It's certainly not you or your writing which I look forward to reading daily. I am at the point where I get nauseous when I hear about PEDs. It is everywhere. If baseball really wants to make a difference they have to stop grandstanding and implement the toughest drug testing program in the world. They can fix things by being on the cutting edge to ensure the sport is played fairly by dedicated individuals who have natural and naturally developed talent. The union should be on board with this as it makes no sense for them to oppose it other than to help facillitate the continued use of illegal substances in the sport. In closing I think you should do away with the PED zone and just focus on non-PED related matters as they are way more interesting and exciting. I'm not saying don't report the top stories, but don't give in to pressure to expound on every little facet of this saga.

Minnesota is asking for too much. My Sox should just keep their kids and make a run with their present team.

Am I crazy? I could have sworn I read on this same blog back in December that Boston and Minnesota would have a deal done in a week? Isn't that what you said Buster? Now you're saying that the Twins should keep Santana? Guess that means he'll be traded in a day or two...

Huge risk if the Twins wait until the season to trade Santana. The Sox, Yanks and Mets are willing to give of prospects now because they are unknown commodities. But if Ellsbury/Pedroia/Gom ez is batting .300 in July, or Joba/Kennedy/Hughes/ Bucholtz/Lester/Pelf rey/Humber are contributing in the majors and showing they can be relied on to pitch in the future (or if F-Mart is burning up AA-AAA), don't expect them to be offered to the Twins--even if the team is struggling. These teams are willing to trade unproven top prospects now, but will not trade productive, cheap, young talent later. Conversely, if the 3-5 prospects of any single team the Twins want are showing that they are busts, why would the Twins want to make that trade?

Further, who says Santana accepts a trade in July. Three months away from a free-for-all bidding war, why should he accept a trade unless it comes without extension (and who is trading for him withou one)? In fact its not clear why Santana is willing to settle now. Perhaps he is willing to trade FA for security based on his modest decline last season. Perhaps at 29, and in his prime, he'd trade FA for the chance to get on a contender ASAP so he can start building a HOF legacy. Regardless, the Twins should trade him while they can get value in return and while he'll allow it.


Buster - have you ever watched Deal or No Deal? If the best amounts on the table are 400,000 and 500,000, that means that there is NO CHANCE of ever getting that 1,000,000 offer back. So, you can either take the deal and end up with a solid return on your investment, or you can continue to take the risk that something happens - another big SP gets moved, Santana gets hurt, or actually follows through on his threat not to waive his no trade clause in the season and end up with virtually nothing. Better off taking the solid deal (maybe 250,000 we'll say), than risking ending up $100 in your case.

Sox Cheering for Mets to Land Santana?
edmcdonough3 Post #1: 11:21 am Quote | Report Violation
Total Posts: 1


I've often thought the Red Sox are secretly hoping the Mets get Johan so the Sox can keep their kids. And here's a good q&a from nick cafardo of the boston globe below. He thinks the same thing. also says lugo has a short leash. interesting....

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/01/16/q-a-with-nick-cafardo-of-the-boston-globe

New Book by Roger Clemens - It's called "Facing Clemens"

http://www.metsblog.com/

On March 1, Mayo, who is a Senior Writer for MLB.com, will release Facing Clemens, “A book that puts you right in the batter’s box against the The Rocket.”


Roger Clemens has won more than 350 games in his 20-year baseball career, striking out more than 4,500 batters, earning a record seven Cy Young awards. Along the way, he’s hit 150 batters, knocked down hundreds more, and stared down every batter who tried to dig in against him. This book puts you right in the batter’s box against the "Rocket Man." Mayo interviews scores of players who assess the intimidating Clemens and his effect on the great game.

http://www.jonathanmayo.net/audio/jody_mac_audio.mp3

Huge risk if the Twins wait until the season to trade Santana. The Sox, Yanks and Mets are willing to give of prospects now because they are unknown commodities. But if Ellsbury/Pedroia/Gom ez is batting .300 in July, or Joba/Kennedy/Hughes/ Bucholtz/Lester/Pelf rey/Humber are contributing in the majors and showing they can be relied on to pitch in the future (or if F-Mart is burning up AA-AAA), don't expect them to be offered to the Twins--even if the team is struggling. These teams are willing to trade unproven top prospects now, but will not trade productive, cheap, young talent later. Conversely, if the 3-5 prospects of any single team the Twins want are showing that they are busts, why would the Twins want to make that trade?

Further, who says Santana accepts a trade in July. Three months away from a free-for-all bidding war, why should he accept a trade unless it comes without extension (and who is trading for him withou one)? In fact its not clear why Santana is willing to settle now. Perhaps he is willing to trade FA for security based on his modest decline last season. Perhaps at 29, and in his prime, he'd trade FA for the chance to get on a contender ASAP so he can start building a HOF legacy. Regardless, the Twins should trade him while they can get value in return and while he'll allow it.

Buster - have you ever watched Deal or No Deal? If the best amounts on the table are 400,000 and 500,000, that means that there is NO CHANCE of ever getting that 1,000,000 offer back. So, you can either take the deal and end up with a solid return on your investment, or you can continue to take the risk that something happens - another big SP gets moved, Santana gets hurt, or actually follows through on his threat not to waive his no trade clause in the season and end up with virtually nothing. Better off taking the solid deal (maybe 250,000 we'll say), than risking ending up $100 in your case.

Buster, you need to work on your deal or no deal. The deal on the table is a weighted average of all possible amounts left. If the Yankees and Red Sox are offering $500,000, that means the Smith believes the $1,000,000 case is still out there. He is saying No Deal in the hopes that he will end up with the $1,000,000 case. Of course, there is the possibility of him ending up with the 1 cent case (Santana gets hurt and his career ends) or maybe a $10,000 case (Santana walks at the end of the season, the Twins get draft picks). The Yankees and Red Sox have made the offer but Smith is holding out for the huge case.

Buster is right, there won't be a better offer than there is right now. so why don't the Twins just keep Sanatana and give him the extension he wants?? they have the richest owner in the league, yet refuse to pay for their superstar pitcher...

Since the Twinkies probably won't be able to keep morneau or mauer further down the line.. it really seems like if they keep santana, this will be the best shot they've got in the near future to actually try and win a world series... i think they should go for it... and i'm a yankee fan who REALLY wants santana, btw.. i just definitely see the appeal for the twins in keeping him and going for broke. with santana and liriano at the top of the rotation, they can be a seriously dangerous team.

Why bother, the Twins have close to no chance, the Tigers or Indians will win the division the other will get the wild card,if not them then the Yanks will probably get in. They minds as well get him for something before he leaves for free

January 16, 2008



http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/giants/2008/01/what-dislocated-shoulder-ross.html

What dislocated shoulder? Ross to practice today

Rookie cornerback Aaron Ross, dislocated shoulder and all, will be out on the practice field this afternoon.

7wy16md2.jpgThat was the word from Tom Coughlin a few moments ago. Ross will probably be wearing some sort of brace, and I’m guessing they’ll limit his contact at least a little. But it looks like he’s prepared to give it a go.

Meanwhile, the Giants’ other starting corner, Sam Madison, will participate in individual drills. “Then we’ll see where he goes from there,” Coughlin said.

CB Kevin Dockery (hip) will not practice. RT Kareem McKenzie (ankle) will practice. And as for WR Plaxico Burress (ankle), it all depends on how he feels.

***

The Giants will practice outside today, which I guess will help them prepare for the cold weather in Green Bay. It’s in the 30s here today, with a windchill in the 20s. Of course, that’s still about 30-35 degrees warmer than it’s supposed to feel Sunday night.

By the way, Coughlin made it clear today to both the press and the players that he has no interest in entertaining questions and talk about the frigid weather. He said the weather “is what it is.” He also said, correctly, that “We’ve handled all kinds of weather this year.”

***

Coughlin was asked if he’s enjoying this wild Giants ride.

“Every second,” he said with his usually straight face. “Can’t you tell?”

Then I think he cracked a tiny little smile. I think.