Twins, Red Sox Talk Santana Trade
Boston and Yankees Desperately Seeking Johan Santana
Santa could come early for the Boston Red Sox in the person of Minnesota Twins’ star pitcher Johan Santa(na).
Multiple media sources indicate that the Red Sox and Twins are negotiating a deal for the star left-hander, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Minnesota franchise. Charlie Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press Thursday cited an unnamed source as stating that Boston was offering pitcher Jon Lester, outfielder Coco Crisp, minor league infielder Jed Lowrie and minor league right-handed pitcher Justin Masterson in return for the hard-throwing starter.
Other sources claim that the Sox are dangling right-hander Michael Bowden, while others assert Boston is giving the Twins a choice between the two righties. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Thursday that the fourth player in the mix was Bowden. Either way, it’s not certain that Masterson or Bowden are ready to immediately step into a role at the Major League level.
Any deal would require the Red Sox to obtain a 72-hour-long window in which to negotiate an extension with the two-time Cy Young Award winner, Santana. It’s expected that Santana will be demanding a five- or six-year deal in the vicinity of $150 million. The 28-year-old Santana has a total no-trade clause in his current contract with Minnesota, and will earn $13.25 million in 2008.
Walters wrote that the Twins don’t regard the available prospects from the New York Yankees as ready to play in the majors quickly enough. But the Sox have apparently placed rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz off-limits. Reports indicate the New York Yankees – also definitely in the race for Santana – have likewise told the Twins they won’t part with power pitcher Joba Chamberlain nor second baseman Robinson Cano.
However, New York is reportedly dangling outfielder Melky Cabrera and either pitcher Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy as trade bait in the Santana Sweepstakes. At worst (or, best, whichever way one looks at it) the two American League East superpowers will force each other to up the ante in the quest for Johan, although a Yankee official told the New York Post, “We’re on our own program.”
In spite of that disclaimer, it’s clear neither team wants the other to secure the services of a pitcher who has gone 93-44 during his Major League career. It’s perceived that the Yankees need him more since it’s unclear if left-handed stud starter Andy Pettite will return for another year in the Bronx. New York catcher Jorge Posada – who re-signed with the club Thursday – said Pettite is leaning toward retirement.
Trading prospects for proven pitching talent has worked well for the Red Sox. The Sox traded minor league hurlers Carl Pavano and Tony Armas, Jr. for Pedro Martinez. And secured playoff and World Series star Josh Beckett in return for minor league shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
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