Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Santana Talks Plodding Along, Sox Still Favorites

The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that the Red Sox remain the favorites the land Johan Santana. As has been previously reported, the Twins would instantly accept a deal including both Jon Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox, however, are apposed to including Jacoby Ellsbury in a deal for Santana.

The only real new news in the article, is that a deal may be imminent in the next few days. It's hard to tell whether that bit is based on fact, or was simply thrown in to get people to read the article, filled with mostly recycled news.

If the Red Sox could find a way to trade for Santana, without including Ellsbury, it would be a huge steal. It looks like the Twins are going to go with the same strategy that Billy Beane attempted in the Dan Haren trade. Rather than acquiring one Type A prospect, the Twins would prefer quantity to quality. Not that Jon Lester isn't a quality prospect, he was billed as the Red Sox top prospect only years ago.

Both sides will likely feel each other out for a little longer. Still, the Twins have waited things out for many weeks now and the Red Sox still have the best offer on the table. The Yankees, it appears, would not be willing to give up Joba Chamberlain and would be very hesitant to give up Phil Hughes or any high rated prospects in the lower minors. And the Twins appear to prefer Lester over Kennedy, because Lester is left-handed and has more major league experience.

Eventually, the Twins will tire of waiting things out, and likely accept the Red Sox offer. It appears more likely than not that the Red Sox will acquire the Twins ace. But anything could happen at the last minute. Perhaps the Yankees will change their mind if the Twins come to them saying they're about to deal Santana to the Red Sox.

6 comments:

Randy Wan said...

If the Red Sox gets Santana then they will be in great shape to challenge the Tigers for the best team in baseball on paper award! I think it would be a great move for them.

I'd definitely like to exchange links!

www.youngsports.blogspot.com

Royal Rooters said...

Great, thanks for the visit! I'll throw your link up right away.

I'd agree. If the Red Sox get Santana, I think they'd definitely be the best team "on paper" going into next year.

Anonymous said...

Hey, the blog looks great-it is very well written. Keep up the good work man, I'll give you a shout out tomorrow. Keep up the good work.

Chris Barrows said...

Hey man, nice blog, I'll add you tonight, add me whenever you get the chance.

Royal Rooters said...

Thanks a lot for stopping by Dan. I really appreciate it : )

Glad to see you didn't hold it against me too much that I'm a Red Sox fan. It's the love of the game that really counts.

Royal Rooters said...

Thanks Chris. I'll add you right now!