The Twins and Johan Santana

[amp]

I am finally resolved to the fact the Twins will let go of the best pitcher in baseball right now. The latest hype has him going to the Mets for 5 prospects. I know Twins fans may not like this deal, but I like this reminder from today's Star Tribune article by Joe Christensen (http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/13853476.html)

"Time will be the true judge.

In 2003, some thought the Twins were fleeced when they sent A.J. Pierzynski to the Giants for Joe Nathan, Boof Bonser and Francisco Liriano.

That day, Giants GM Brian Sabean said, "It's not often that you can send a reliever and two unproven prospects for a front-line, lefthanded-hitting All-Star catcher."

Yeah, silly Twins."

[Bandit]

It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out. I read an article that summed it up well I thought.

The writer noted that since JS is a free agent after this season, there are only a small number of teams who will likely be able to bid for his services to begin with.

Added to that, a guy like Erik Bedard or Dan Haren is more attractive because the acquiring team controls their rights for a couple of years after the trade. The acquiring team can afford to give up more prospects for guys like that, because they will have more opportunities to play for the postseason.

So the Twins are kind of stuck ... they are not likely to get anything close to what Oakland got for Dan Haren because of the contract control issues ... and the Twins risk not getting anything if they hold onto him.

[Big City]

I am finally resolved to the fact the Twins will let go of the best pitcher in baseball right now. The latest hype has him going to the Mets for 5 prospects. I know Twins fans may not like this deal, but I like this reminder from today's Star Tribune article by Joe Christensen (http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/13853476.html)

"Time will be the true judge.

In 2003, some thought the Twins were fleeced when they sent A.J. Pierzynski to the Giants for Joe Nathan, Boof Bonser and Francisco Liriano.

That day, Giants GM Brian Sabean said, "It's not often that you can send a reliever and two unproven prospects for a front-line, lefthanded-hitting All-Star catcher."

Yeah, silly Twins."

How many World Series have the Twins won or even been in since that trade? A.J. was a major part of that '05 Sox championship team.

[markminn]

Yeah, but NO WITH THE GIANTS, you White Sox lovin' bastard! (said with all due respect and with a smurk)

[sandwichpick]

I would almost always be for trading Santana in his walk year and maximizing value by giving him away for a whole year. But with Liriano coming back, how can you resist the potential of that 1-2 combo? I think a GM's job is to give your team the best chance to win a title, and those two if on there game could damn near get you there with me batting cleanup.

[markminn]

I agree sandwichpick. If the Twins make it to the playoffs, the 2 fisted punch of Santana and Liriano could be awesome.

[hamdaman23]

It'd be nice if our Owner just realized to compete you might have to shell out some money once in a while, but if we have to get rid of him it will shape our GM's tenure...just like the A.J. trade did for Ryan

[Big City]

Yeah, but NO WITH THE GIANTS, you White Sox lovin' bastard! (said with all due respect and with a smurk)

<------lifelong Tigers fan. As far as I'm concerned the Sox and Twins are playing for third place in the AL Central this year.

[markminn]

Well, at least he ain't a Yankee.

[Brooklyn]

Well, at least he ain't a Yankee.

I'm glad he's not. While I do like Santana, I like the Yankees that were rumored to be going over in a possible deal just as much where they currently are. :shifty:

Here's a pic I took of Santana in May, 2007 on a trip to Minneapolis. Caught two Twins-Red Sox games while we were there. Santana won his start.

http://photos-822.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v75/9/38/505676822/n505676822_44434_5776.jpg

[Clever Login Name]

No one should ever have to suffer the ignominy of being traded for someone named Boof Bonser.

I'm just glad the Sox didn't part with Lester or Ellsbury to get Santana.

[amp]

Parting with Lester (an above average player with potential) and Ellsbury (a guy who has shown about 4 months of great play) vs. a TWO TIME CY YOUNG WINNER with next to no injury history?? (He really should be a 3 timer. I can't believe that fat bastard Colon won that year)

I guess the Sox don't want to lock down the East.

[JoinUsForCake]

I can't believe that fat bastard Colon won that year...
SCOREBOARD! Beeeyotch!!!!
http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGV060-2006StudioPlus~Bartolo-Colon-Posters.jpg

[amp]

Not surprised Cake loves the fatties!! How 'bout this one? Love her??
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/chare37/fat_chick.jpg

[RoyMcAvoy]

I think the Twins have "earned the right" of extended time before this is judged.

Since 2001, Minnesota has been right up there with Oakland as the "most dollar-efficient franchise" in baseball. They don't waste money.

How I see it: The New York Mets are now paying a left-handed pitcher $100,000 an inning. Do the math, that is what it is for Santana for seven years.

The Twins can't...won't...pay that.

Personally, I think Santana peaked in 2003-05. They had a great run with him (much like with Torii Hunter), move onto the next generation and keep trying to get a little better each year.

Because the Twins have been a consistently good team since 2001, I'm willing to let this play out.

[amp]

I agree Roy. Some hot-headed Twins fans were lighting up the blogs when the Twins traded A.J. Pierzynski to the Giants for 3 no-name pitchers. Now, that is described as one of the best one-sided trades ever (unless you are a Giants fan). Granted, A.J. is no Johan. But, the Twins did offer Santana $20 million a year for 4 years, which ain't too shabby. I can't blame Johan for going for bigger money. Let's hope Liriano bounces back and the Twins don't wait until the last minute to lock him up for a long time.