Johan Santana Rumors

Angels Begin Talks With Sabathia

According to Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, the Angels have begun contract discussions with C.C. Sabathia. The authors believe the Halos could make an offer in the range of Johan Santana's six-year, $137.5MM deal. If the Angels do make such an offer, you have to imagine the Yankees will respond by upping their bid significantly. Despite the talks for Sabathia, Mark Teixeira remains the Angels' top priority. They haven't made an offer yet, but Scott Boras seems to want ten years while the Angels are willing to do seven. It makes sense to open serious dialogue...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Pedro, Sabathia, Peavy

A look at what is being written about the hot stove in the Blogosphere... Fire Brand of the American League looks at the ramifications of the Coco Crisp trade and what could happen if the Red Sox acquire Mark Teixeira and are unable to move Mike Lowell. Baseball Opinion says the Crisp deal leaves the Royals with a crowded outfield and a depleted bullpen and wonders if Mark Teahen or David DeJesus will be the next to go. Nationals Pride sees the Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham trade as a good start towards building a team with a core of...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Putz, Manny, Lackey, Ibanez

Let's take a look at the latest column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark does the math and finds 15 potentially available closers versus six clubs in the market for one. Should result in a few bargains or teams holding on to their surpluses. The Mets don't seem willing to extend to four years for Francisco Rodriguez. Stark says J.J. Putz would become the Mets' top closer target if he's made available. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone wrote a few days ago that the Mets are likely to trade for a reliever with closing experience before attempting to sign one. J.P. Ricciardi quote:...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Hughes, Tigers, Affeldt

Links for Monday... I'm working on this year's Top 50 Free Agents list, with predicted destinations. It's always a tough puzzle to assemble. Anyone have educated guesses on where Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, Braden Looper, and Jon Garland might sign? MLB.com's Mychael Urban believes Mark Mulder would like to return to the A's, but the team may not be interested. Plus, Mulder isn't even considering destinations until he is healthy. Japanese free agent pitcher Kenshin Kawakami hired American agent Tony Attanasio. The Red Sox may be interested. Joel Sherman of the New York Post takes the Yankees to task for...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Byrnes, Teixeira, Swisher

Random links for Tuesday... SI.com's Jon Heyman notes that a Cy Young award for Johan Santana would lock in his 2014 option at $25MM. Mark Healey of Gotham Baseball wonders if the Mets might end up signing Ivan Rodriguez. The Jays officially received Fabio Castro to complete the Matt Stairs deal. Buster Olney had this one in August. Bummer to see Larry Borowsky of Viva El Birdos stepping down from blogging. He's been my favorite Cardinals writer. Nick Piecoro wonders if Eric Byrnes could be traded for another bad contract player like Luis Castillo. The Red Sox treated Mark Teixeira...   Continue Reading

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Hank Steinbrenner Forming Advisory Group

SATURDAY: Cashman responds to the advisory group comments. He wouldn't say whether he wants to return. THURSDAY: Peter Abraham relays comments Hank Steinbrenner made to the AP today. Hank will review the entire organization and put together an advisory group for decision-making. Brian Cashman would still be in charge, but it sounds like too many cooks in the kitchen. Cashman probably will not want to stay if he loses autonomy. Speculation is that Cashman could consider the vacancies in Philadelphia or Seattle. One thing's for sure - the Yankees are prepared to throw around some cash this winter. Steinbrenner seemingly...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Reds, Dempster, Silva, Lugo

John Perrotto's Every Given Sunday column is up over at Baseball Prospectus. For those without a BP subscription, here's the highlights: Perrotto believes that Reds owner Bob Castellini will give Walt Jocketty the go-ahead to dive into the free agent market this season in an attempt to contend in 2009. The Reds like their young core, and feel a solid bat or two can help them contend in NL Central immediately. Jed Lowrie's play since taking over for the injured Julio Lugo has convinced the Red Sox that he can be the everyday shortstop. They'll look to move Lugo (and...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lieber, Tavarez, Oswalt

We've got mostly smaller stuff today, so let's kick it off with an odds and ends. The Mets designated Claudio Vargas for assignment. I'm a bit surprised, I think he's still a useful pitcher. Pitcher Jon Lieber may retire after the season. 130+ wins, that's a nice career. With Tom Gordon's shoulder barking, the Phillies' desire to add a reliever has intensified. Here's a look at the relief market. When a 2.93 ERA is considered underperforming, expectations were never reasonable. Anyone else get the impression that if Johan Santana's record was 10-3 instead of 7-6, there wouldn't even be a...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Garcia, Ricciardi, Sabathia

Here's a look at Jon Heyman's latest column. At last count, our Freddy Garcia list included the Mets, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, White Sox, Rangers, Indians, Mariners, Tigers, and Rays. Heyman adds the Astros, and we also have rumblings about the Cubs. Although a few may have dropped out, that's a dozen suitors. Heyman suggests Cito Gaston's hiring was not J.P. Ricciardi's decision. Ricciardi may not last past this season. Heyman's source says C.C. Sabathia "is believed to be interested in a 'Johan Santana contract.'" Santana received six years and $137.5MM with a club option, full no-trade clause, and deferred...   Continue Reading

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No Santana, No Regrets for Red Sox

Earlier this morning, MLBTR noted how Ken Rosenthal doesn't think the Yankees have regrets over not landing Johan Santana despite their would-have-been trade pieces now struggling or injured. Today's Boston Globe discusses the Red Sox similar feelings. Chad Finn not only brings us an amusing baseball card of a young Lou Pineilla, but also shares his relief that Boston did not give up Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, and/or Jed Lowrie for Johan (consequently setting the record for a trade involving the most players with first names beginning with the letter "J"). Referencing Buster Olney's blog, Finn concedes to...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Hunter, Santana, Quentin

It's Sunday again, so we've got some tidbits from Ken Rosenthal's Full Count video: Torii Hunter was courted by the White Sox and Rangers before signing with the Angels this past offseason; however, according to Hunter, he had a meeting scheduled with the Dodgers to discuss taking the spot that Andruw Jones would come to occupy. The Angels signed him, preventing the meeting. As we enter June, the sky is falling in Seattle... Rosenthal doesn't think there's a lot of regret in the Yankee organization for not acquiring Johan Santana. One executive notes Santana's throwing with increased effort this season...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Morris, Moeller, de la Rosa

Let's kick things off with an odds and ends post today. By the way did anyone watch Max Scherzer's debut last night? Damn. Dejan Kovacevic notes that even if Matt Morris considered retiring and abandoning his '08 salary, the Players Association would've strongly objected. Rays Senior VP of Baseball Ops Gerry Hunsicker indicates that the team will spend money to improve the team if they're still contending a few months from now. According to Jon Heyman, catcher Chad Moeller will remain with the Yankees. Another fine piece from Bob Nightengale of USA Today (hat tip to ShysterBall). The article discusses...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Were Close To Acquiring Johan

SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in with some inside info from the What Might've Been file. He says the Rangers and Twins were close to an agreement on the players involved in a trade that would've sent Johan Santana to Texas. The Twins pulled the plug when Santana was noncommital about whether he'd approve a trade to the Rangers. They felt that this would've decreased his market value (instead the Twins ended up overplaying their hand and accepting the second or third-best offer). Heyman speculates that the Rangers could've offered Eric Hurley and/or Edinson Volquez, for starters. A Taylor Teagarden and...   Continue Reading

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Theo Epstein WEEI Interview: Crisp, Santana

WEEI recently posted an interesting interview with Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. Epstein was frank with his answers and didn't duck questions. A few points of interest: Epstein observed a "horrible free agent market, bereft of talent." The one surplus he noted was center field, which he feels resulted in the lack of a trade market for Coco Crisp (the best defensive center fielder in the game last year, according to Epstein). Epstein said he learned his lesson with Jay Payton and does not want to be forced to trade Crisp as he was Payton. He won't deal Crisp from...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Johan Santana's Contract

The biggest move of this year's Hot Stove League was clearly the trade of Johan Santana. The subsequent contract given to Santana by the Mets set a new benchmark for pitchers and could have a lasting trickle-down effect on other pitchers in baseball. The players most likely to cash in on the Santana deal are other young lefties with strong track records. The first fallout appears to be in Cleveland, with the recent news that C.C. Sabathia has broken off contract talks. With pitchers and catchers conducting their first workouts in many camps today, let's take a look at how...   Continue Reading

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Santana Extension Talk

UPDATE, 1-31-08 at 5:10pm: Jon Heyman says the Mets are offering a six-year, $129MM extension starting with the '09 season. Including his '07 salary that would amount to seven years and $142.25MM. Santana's people want to get the total up around $170MM. Less than 5% of MLBTR readers believe this won't get done. UPDATE, 1-31-08 at 11:31am: ESPN's Jayson Stark says contract talks will spill over onto Friday, the deadline day. Chances of failing to reach an agreement are "remote." For now it appears that the Mets want the sixth year as a vesting option and Santana's people want it..   Continue Reading

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Twins Wanted Wang/Kennedy For Santana?

According to Buster Olney in his blog today: The Twins tried to re-engage the Yankees Monday night, calling and asking, again, for Hughes to be in a package. The Yankees said no, and the Twins then asked, instead, for Chien-Ming Wang and Ian Kennedy, and the Yankees said no. This differs from Bob Klapisch's take yesterday. Klapisch said the Twins' last-ditch proposal to the Yankees was for Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera, and a top prospect. Regardless, the Yankees preferred to enter the '08 season with Wang, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, and Joba Chamberlain in the rotation. Kennedy and Mike Mussina..   Continue Reading

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Santana Aftermath

Now that the players have been agreed upon for the Johan Santana trade, some depictions of the 11th-hour negotiations have leaked out. LEN3 says Santana is expected to get a six-year deal worth around $130MM ($21.66MM annually). He also notes that Santana had given the Twins an end-of-day Tuesday deadline or else he would've used his no-trade clause. Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record chronicles Bill Smith's last-ditch attempts to get the Yankees and Red Sox involved. He apparently asked the Yankees for Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera, and a top prospect and was denied. The Red Sox wouldn't part with..   Continue Reading

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Thoughts On The Johan Santana Trade

Seems that this deal is official enough to evaluate. We know for a fact that the Twins will receive Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra. The general consensus seems to be that Twins GM Bill Smith passed on other offers that were better than this. If Smith had taken the Yankees' best offer, he'd have an MLB-ready pitcher who was very recently regarded as the game's best pitching prospect (Phil Hughes). He'd also have a solid regular center fielder in Melky Cabrera. And the Twins would've gotten a couple of upside players on top of that. Boston's..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Traded To Mets

UPDATE, 1-29-08 at 4:22: Ken Rosenthal says the 72-hour window to sign Santana is now open. UPDATE, 1-29-08 at 3:15pm: Bob Nightengale of USA Today says an agreement to trade Santana to the Mets has been reached. They'll send Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey to the Twins. The Mets still have to work out a six or seven year extension for Santana, according to Nightengale. If this baby reaches its true conclusion we'll sit down and analyze. UPDATE, 1-29-08 at 2:55pm: More from Olney. His sources say the Mets have the best offer, the Red Sox..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 1-28-08 at 9:42am: LEN3 jumps on his blog to give a few more tidbits. He doesn't see the Twins adding a player or any kind of three-team scenario unfolding, based on talks with Twins officials. FROM 1-28-08 at 9:09am: I imagine there will be a daily thread for Johan Santana rumors. Here's the latest from LEN3. The Twins "may soon tell teams...to step up with their best offers." The Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets are all still in the mix. The officials Neal spoke to disputed Buster Olney's suggestion that Jon Lester was off the table. The Twins still..   Continue Reading

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Nathan Waits For Santana Resolution

The AP has some quotes today from Joe Nathan and his agent. Whether he re-signs with the Twins or hits the free agent market after the '08 season, Nathan isn't playing for a discount again. He said: I think we definitely gave them a really good deal this last time around. I felt I left quite a bit of money on the table, to be honest. This time around, we expect it to be different. Nathan's agent expects the Twins to resolve the Johan Santana situation first. They reached out to the Twins and had some conversations, but it didn't..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 1-25-08 at 9:46pm: According to LEN3: I was told today that next week is a big week in terms of determining if and where Santana will be dealt. The end is in sight, then? FROM 1-25-08 at 9:30am: Time for your daily Johan Santana rumors post. LEN3 talked to a Twins official who said there had been no recent extension talks between Santana and the Twins. Meanwhile Sid Hartman at the same paper says the Mets and Yankees won't go seven years, and he think the Twins' 4/80 offer is fair. Neal says that while Santana won't necessarily veto..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Velocity, Santana, Teixeira

Make sure to check out these links. Baseball America admits that fastball velocity is important, and does a Where Are They Now with all those who had reached 98 mph from the '02 prospect handbook. The success rate was solid. They have an even bigger list of guys who topped 98 from their upcoming '08 handbook, some of whom will be aces one day. Did you know Felipe Paulino reached 102? Hat tip to Depressed Fan on the link. Joe Posnanski writes about how the Royals are leading the Johan Santana race. Funny stuff. Would be refreshing to see the..   Continue Reading

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Church As Part Of A Santana Deal?

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald has some info on a Johan Santana possibility, and it isn't the usual rehashed stuff. He writes: A package the Twins could receive will probably not include both of the Mets’ top outfield prospects, Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez. There are indications that Martinez would be in the deal, along with major league outfielder Ryan Church and at least two other prospects. Starter Mike Pelfrey could be part of the deal as well.... Would Martinez, Deolis Guerra, Kevin Mulvey, and Church get it done? Maybe not a fan-pleaser but you'd have guys who can..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

SI.com's Jon Heyman and the Minneapolis Star Tribune's La Velle E. Neal III recently weighed in on the Johan Santana situation. Neal says the Mets, Red Sox, and Yankees have all had recent discussions with the Twins about Santana. He says the Twins have "stepped up their efforts" to make a deal before Spring Training. Heyman believes the Mets have taken the lead. He thinks it would take five or more prospects, and submission by the Red Sox and Yankees. Heyman says the Twins may prefer Carlos Gomez over Fernando Martinez. That would be good for the Mets, who do..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Cano, Colon, Lowry

Here are some links I've rounded up this morning. In theory, Robinson Cano would be open to a long-term deal. River Ave. Blues recently took a look at how historically good Cano has been so far, and suggest the Yankees lowballed him with their arbitration submission. Baseball Prospectus' Derek Jacques saw Bartolo Colon pitch in the Dominican League Finals, and lends his evaluation. Colon was not impressive, but not terrible. It doesn't seem like he will get the two-year deal he wants. The Brewers will bring Abraham Nunez to camp. Versatile, but a drain on offense. Mark Gonzales of the..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

I know some of you crave daily Johan Santana updates...today we've got a blurb from Charley Walters: The Twins say they're not panicking while holding out for the best deal for Johan Santana. But word within baseball circles is that offers by the New York Yankees (no more Phil Hughes) and Boston Red Sox are diminishing by the week. Best bet now for a trade of the two-time Cy Young Award winner appears to be with the New York Mets in a deal that would not include fast-rising hitter Fernando Martinez. Yikes - from those solid Yankee/Red Sox offers to..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Hinske, Doumit, Colon, Greene

It's up to an impressive 5.7 degrees where I am, but I still don't think I'll be going outside much today. Hence, some odds and ends. Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald believes Eric Hinske might sign with the Diamondbacks this week. The 30 year-old former ROY has a career line of .255/.336/.434, with much better work against righties. John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus says the Red Sox are interested in the Pirates' Ryan Doumit. However Perrotto says the Bucs are reluctant to trade the versatile Doumit, who turns 27 in April. Only past Doumit rumor I can find was..   Continue Reading

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Fernando Martinez May Be Key To Santana Deal

Nothing groundbreaking here, but Ken Davidoff spoke to "an industry offical familiar with Minnesota's trade discussions," who believes the inclusion of young outfielder Fernando Martinez could close the Johan Santana deal for the Mets. Davidoff notes that some combination of Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Philip Humber, and Kevin Mulvey would have to be in there too. Perhaps the sides will ultimately agree on Martinez and all the rest except for Gomez. The Yankees and Red Sox remain in the mix, though the Yanks seem ready to move on   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Barrett, Cameron, Santana

Let's take a run through Buster Olney's blog today. Olney chatted with Kevin Towers recently. One learning: the Padres plan on keeping Michael Barrett. Never hurts to have a little catching depth. The Padres might've given Mike Cameron a two-year deal worth at least $17MM, more than he received from the Brewers. Did Cameron want out of San Diego, or did his agent make a miscalculation of the market? Olney talked to a talent evaluator who wondered whether the Twins might be concerned about Johan Santana's health. Reduced late-season velocity and less use of his slider could be signs   Continue Reading

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Twins Intrigued With Mets' Johan Offer?

Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has a new article up focused on how the ultimate package for Johan Santana may not be fan-pleasing. That's because the Twins "seem most intrigued" with the Mets' offer, which doesn't include household names. They're proposing some combination of Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez, Deolis Guerra, Philip Humber, and Kevin Mulvey. Seems it would be one of the outfielders plus the three pitchers. Christensen notes the Chuck Knoblauch and A.J. Pierzynski trades as examples of deals that were derided in Minnesota at the time but ended up favoring the Twins. However I do believe fans..   Continue Reading

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Mailbag: Roberts, Teixeira, Johan, Nathan, And More

Time for this week's mailbag. You can hit it up at mlbtrmailbag@gmail.com to get in your question for next week. Do you see the Twins signing a big name middle of the order bopper or trading for one before the opening of the new stadium in 2010? - Jordan Funny you ask this. I recently asked LEN3 whether the Twins would have a $100MM payroll for the 2010 season, and he said, "I don't see it." So I'll go with his wisdom and say business as usual for the Twins despite the stadium. Why are the White Sox not aggressively..   Continue Reading

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Rockies Inquired On Santana

Courtesy of Ken Rosenthal, we knew on December 19th that the Rockies had inquired on Dan Haren. On Monday Dave Krieger of the Rocky Mountain News also quoted Rockies' GM Dan O'Dowd as saying "We stuck our nose in on the Santana thing." (Hat tip to Aaron Gleeman for the link). O'Dowd didn't get far trying to acquire Johan Santana, because he prefers to play on the East Coast. Perhaps a deal involving some combination of Franklin Morales, Ubaldo Jimenez, Ian Stewart, and Dexter Fowler would've intrigued the Twins otherwise? Here's a look at an MLB.com Top 50 Prospects list..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Manny, Johan, Saarloos

Here are some links I've rounded up for today. I like the analogy that the Odds and Ends posts are like a pack of baseball cards. You never know what you'll get, and sometimes there's gum. UmpBump explains why they expect Manny Ramirez to retire a Red Sox. Matthew Cerrone provides some new Johan Santana musings. RotoAuthority (which I write) ranks the 78 starting pitchers you should consider in your fantasy baseball mixed league. The A's, admitting they need bodies, will bring Kirk Saarloos back on a minor league invite. He'll be 29 in May; his claim to fame is..   Continue Reading

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Mayo On Fernando Martinez and Johan Santana

Jonathan Mayo is a prominent writer on MLB.com, focusing on the minor leagues more recently. Mayo recently wrote a book called Facing Clemens , which "puts you right in the batter's box against the Rocket Man." Mayo finished the book before the steroid allegations surfaced, but it sounds like an interesting read regardless. I asked Mayo some questions for publication on MLBTR. MLBTR: Where do you stand on Fernando Martinez? Would the Mets regret trading him and a few other prospects for one year of Johan Santana? Mayo: There’s always the risk when you trade a young player with so..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

It's time for today's dose of Johan Santana rumors and info. It's funny - I sense that everyone is getting sick of this stuff and would prefer a fresh rumor about, say, Brad Wilkerson. Lisa Kennelly wrote this morning that the Mets appear to be sticking to their guns with an offer of Carlos Gomez or Fernando Martinez, Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra. However, she says the Mets prefer Erik Bedard over Santana since he will not require a huge extension. The New York Times adds that the Mets "are not engaged in heavy discussions with the Twins."..   Continue Reading

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Neal On Santana Staying

La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune was recently named Rumor Royalty for the Twins. As part of the feature, he answered a few questions for MLBTR. MLBTR: In your estimation what is the percent likelihood that Johan Santana stays with the Twins for all of '08 and Bill Smith just collects the draft picks? I imagine fans wouldn't mind seeing Johan and Francisco Liriano paired up one last time. Neal: I would guess 10 percent - and some people would say that's too high. The Twins had to deal with Torii Hunter's lame duck season last year..   Continue Reading

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Yankees Still Involved On Santana

UPDATE, 1-14-08 at 10:28pm: Hank says "there's still a little back and forth" between the Yanks and Twins regarding Santana. Ugh. FROM 1-14-08 at 11:47am: ESPN Radio's Andrew Marchand reports that the Yankees have again pulled their offer for Johan Santana off the table. Hank Steinbrenner could certainly change his mind again, but it seems to be down to the Red Sox and Mets. And recent rumblings point to the Mets as the frontrunner. The Yankees' rotation currently shapes up as Andy Pettitte, Chien-Ming Wang, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and probably Mike Mussina. Ian Kennedy will be nipping at Mussina's..   Continue Reading

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Neal On Garza Trade

I recently named La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune as Rumor Royalty for the Twins. He answered a few questions for MLBTR. MLBTR: Given the loss of Carlos Silva and probable trade of Santana, was it wise for the Twins to send Matt Garza to the Rays? Neal: The Twins needed to address their offense. They were deficient last season at third base, left field and, on the days Joe Mauer wasn't available, designated hitter. Scouts from other organizations keep talking about Delmon Young's 40-homer potential, and it was nice to hear Brendan Harris say, "everyone has..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

As usual, MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone sums up the latest on the Johan Santana front. It's not Cerrone's fault, but it looks like things are pretty quiet right now. A summary: The Mets still appear to be the frontrunner. As you might expect, Santana would like this done by month's end. He's not stomping his feet and demanding it though. And that's pretty much where we stand...I would like to see this thing take a dramatic turn, maybe a late bid from a random team. But it looks like we'll keep slugging along   Continue Reading

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Neal On Johan Santana Talks

I recently named La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune as Rumor Royalty for the Twins. He answered a few questions for MLBTR, so let's kick it off. MLBTR: Are you sick of the Johan Santana saga yet? These talks have been dragging for a month after it seemed like something would get done at the Winter Meetings. Who will cave in - the Twins, Yankees, Mets, or Red Sox? Neal: Can't wait for this to end! I think the Twins have sent out signals in recent weeks that they have lowered their demands some in order to..   Continue Reading

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Mets In Lead For Santana, Yanks Out?

UPDATE, 1-11-08 at 6:45pm: Santana's agent says he has not demanded that the Twins trade Johan prior to pitchers and catchers reporting. UPDATE, 1-11-08 at 5:30pm: One source told Ken Rosenthal that the Yanks "are no longer talking to the Twins about Santana." If that's true, perhaps Hank will just announce it soon. UPDATE, 1-11-08 at 3:51pm: Cerrone has a bit more, including a note that Santana and his agents are in lock down. FROM 1-11-08 at 7:53am: MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone sums up the latest buzz around the Johan Santana trade talks. It seems the Mets are in the lead..   Continue Reading

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Brewers Sign Mike Cameron

UPDATE, 1-11-08 at 5:21pm: Tom Haudricourt has the contract details. Cameron gets a $1.25MM signing bonus and will make about $4.22MM in '08 (missed out on $780K due to his suspension). The 2009 option is for $10MM, plus a $750K buyout. As Haudricourt says, in a way it's a one-year, $6.22MM deal. Were the Padres unwilling to pay this amount? By the way, the signing isn't a precursor to a Bill Hall trade. FROM 1-11-08 at 2:18pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers have signed center fielder Mike Cameron to a one-year deal with a club option for 2009. The..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Morneau, Jocketty, Santana

Your usual dose of random rumors and links... Justin Morneau says he has had no extension discussions with the Twins. The Reds brought Walt Jocketty aboard as a special advisor to President and CEO Bob Castellini today. For now, Wayne Krivsky's job appears safe. But jeez, with Walt in the house he has to be feeling a little pressure, doesn't he? In other news, the Reds talked with Brett Tomko's agent this week. The Tigers signed Matt Mantei for the league minimum. He can ask for his release if he's not in the bigs by May 1st. As Jon Paul..   Continue Reading

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Brewers, Yankees Interested In Mike Cameron

UPDATE, 1-10-08 at 11:58pm: Ken Rosenthal checks in, adding that the Cubs and Twins are on the fringes for Cameron. However he expects Cameron to end up with the Yankees or Brewers, before anything is determined with Johan Santana. The Yanks could always just keep Melky Cabrera or spin him off for prospects. The Braves and Pirates have expressed interest in him in the past. UPDATE, 1-10-08 at 9:04pm: Haudricourt says the Yankees' are the Brewers' main competition for Cameron, in the event they trade Melky Cabrera. It's known that A-Rod has been "privately endorsing" him. UPDATE, 1-10-08 at 10:23am:..   Continue Reading

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Mets May Have Top Santana Offer; Yanks Backing Off?

UPDATE, 1-10-08 at 11:29am: Christensen says Mets owner Fred Wilpon gave Omar Minaya the green light to try to acquire Santana, meaning he's amenable to a contract extension exceeding $100MM. UPDATE, 1-10-08 at 9:38am: Peter Botte of the New York Daily News has a new quote from Hank: he's "leaning away from" from the Yankees doing a Santana deal. FROM 1-09-08 at 10:54pm: Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune suggests the Mets might be the best fit for Johan Santana. He says they're offering four players, three of them pitchers: Deolis Guerra, Carlos Gomez, Kevin Mulvey, and Phil Humber. It's..   Continue Reading

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Hank: Yanks Would Not Exceed Five Years On Johan

Kat O'Brien spoke to Hank Steinbrenner yesterday, and learned that the Yankees' take on Johan Santana has not changed. They're still in on him. One new tidbit: Hank said he wouldn't go past a five-year extension for Santana. Since he's already signed through 2008, an extension would go through 2013. Keep in mind that Santana might not waive his no-trade clause if not given the contract he seeks   Continue Reading

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Notes From Hot Stove, Cool Music: Cashman, Santana, Varitek

A few interesting tidbits came about via the Hot Stove, Cool Music charitable event on Saturday. The Boston Herald's Rob Bradford has the details. Brian Cashman admitted that he lost some power when the Hank and Hal regime took over. He no longer has full authority to run everything, a sticking point when he signed on several years ago. It would not be shocking to see Cashman move on when his term ends after the 2008 season. He's finishing up a three-year, $5.4MM deal. For what it's worth, Theo Epstein seemed to indicate that the dragging Johan Santana talks are..   Continue Reading

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Mets Still Like Joe Blanton

Peter Botte of the New York Daily News says the Mets have asked Billy Beane to "keep them in mind" as he's shopping Joe Blanton. Blanton could be their fallback plan for Johan Santana. Botte says the Twinsa are still hung up on Jose Reyes, though La Velle E. Neal III heard otherwise. On December 20th, Buster Olney said a package of Carlos Gomez, Aaron Heilman, and Kevin Mulvey would probably net Blanton for the Mets. If the Mets can't get Santana or Blanton, they may move on to free agent targets such as Kyle Lohse, Livan Hernandez, Jon Lieber,..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors: Saturday

Burned out on vague Johan Santana non-rumors yet? Me neither! Here we go... Hank: "leaning towards doing it." Hmmm, that makes it seem like the Twins aren't part of this decision. Hank notes that he has final say over Brian Cashman, in case you were wondering. Pete Caldera says the Yankees do not have a standing offer. This seems more a technicality than anything, because I imagine the offer is still good. LEN3 says the Twins are backing off a bit on their demands - they realize they won't get both Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Instead, Jeff Marquez, Kei..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Cameron, Inge, Bay

Here are some random rumors and links I've cobbled together today. The Fish officially signed Jorge Cantu to a minor-league deal worth $500K with $100K in incentives. The Cardinals re-upped Aaron Miles for $1.4 mil. This team needs some good middle infielders. According to Tyler Kepner, Alex Rodriguez has been "privately endorsing" Mike Cameron. Well, it's not private anymore! The Yankees could entertain such a signing if they trade Melky Cabrera but don't want to move Johnny Damon back to center. Kepner's article also discusses the internal struggle between Hank and Hal Steinbrenner. Hank wants Johan Santana, Hal wants to..   Continue Reading

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Latest Santana Buzz From MetsBlog

MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone has a couple of recent radio reports referencing the team's talks for Johan Santana. One involves Mike Francesa, the other Jon Heyman. Francesa says the Twins are still demanding Jose Reyes, and the Mets will never do that. According to Heyman, the Mets might be willing to give up any four of their prospects. As in Fernando Martinez, Deolis Guerra, Carlos Gomez, and Kevin Mulvey? That would seemingly be impossible for the Twins to turn down. ESPN's Keith Law went as far to say today that he "wouldn't deal Martinez for one year of Santana under any..   Continue Reading

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Gammons Chat: Crisp, Santana, Ramirez

The Boston Globe ran a chat with Peter Gammons today, and some good hot stove material came about. Gammons believes the Rangers or A's could go after Coco Crisp if he's not dealt to the Twins. He notes that "the A's think he's the best CF in the game right now," and that Billy Beane could acquire him to flip him. He says the Mets are currently trying to build up inventory to trade for Johan Santana, and that might be why Bill Smith hasn't pulled the trigger on anything yet. Gammons believes the Red Sox will exercise Manny Ramirez's..   Continue Reading

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Hank Speaks About Johan

Yesterday it seemed that the Yankees' talks for Johan Santana were pretty much dead, with his contract extension presenting an issue. But Hank Steinbrenner weighed in with Anthony McCarron, and the Yankees seem squarely in the mix. Key points of the article: The implication is that the Yankees' best offer - Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Jeff Marquez, and a fourth player - is still on the table. Hank says point blank the Yankees are best-equipped to handle Santana's contract demands. Yesterday Gordon Edes said Santana's agent implied a seven-year, $140MM deal would be necessary and the Red Sox were willing..   Continue Reading

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Latest Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 1-2-08 at 10:45pm: Nothing new with Boston's pursuit of Santana; Nick Cafardo says the Sox still have two different offers on the table for the Twins. Cafardo notes that Santana's agent quoted the starting bid around seven years, $140MM - and the Red Sox are fine with that. UPDATE, 1-2-08 at 4:19pm: LEN3 adds that the Mariners are not in the running for Johan. Coupled with the info below it seems to be between the Mets and Red Sox currently. FROM 1-2-08 at 1:21pm: Peter Abraham had a note this morning about Johan Santana. He says "there are no..   Continue Reading

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Mets Pitching Plans

Many readers have written me asking what the Mets are going to do to upgrade their starting rotation. Matthew Cerrone as a man in the know, and he's written a summary over at MetsBlog. Cerrone senses nothing much cooking on the Johan Santana front, yet the Mets remain "oddly confident." Cerrone believes the Mets will probably sign one rehabber - Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon. He says reviews on Colon in the Dominican Winter League have been positive. Omar Minaya knows Colon well, having traded the farm for him as GM of the Expos. Garcia may be ready to pitch..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 12-29-07 at 10:59am: Jayson Stark's sources speak of glacially moving Santana talks with the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, and Mariners that may drag out for several more weeks. UPDATE, 12-28-07 at 11:00am: Joel Sherman's sources name the Red Sox as the "strong favorite" to acquire Santana in the new year. He sees the Yankees backing down and the Mets as lagging behind for lack of MLB-ready young players in their offer. Also here's a Jayson Stark Santana article I missed yesterday giving his take on the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets. UPDATE, 12-27-07 at 2:59pm: Charley Walters has some..   Continue Reading

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Twins Back Down On Santana Demand

Murray Chass reports this morning that the Twins have scaled back their demands for Johan Santana, at least with the Yankees. He says they are now willing to substitute Jeff Marquez for Ian Kennedy. So the Yankees would have to give up Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and Marquez (and one more player, I'm guessing). Marquez is a 23 year-old Double A righty who probably does not fall within the Yankees' top ten prospects. He seems a more reasonable demand than Kennedy. About three weeks ago, Bill Madden said the Yanks could've acquired Santana for Hughes, Cabrera, Marquez, and Mitch Hilligoss..   Continue Reading

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Latest Johan Santana Rumors

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo has the latest on the lingering Johan Santana saga. The Red Sox are standing pat with their offer of Coco Crisp, Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, and Jed Lowrie. I've said it before - I consider this an excellent offer, though I might try to find a permutation that involves Jacoby Ellsbury and another player rather than Crisp/Lester. The Twins seem to like this offer too; they just want to see if the Yankees crack and offer up Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera, and Phil Hughes. The Theo Epstein regime typically hasn't been jazzed about contracts exceeding..   Continue Reading

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Yankees Done With Santana?

Newsday's Kat O'Brien recently spoke to a source with knowledge of the Yankees' talks with the Twins for Johan Santana. According to the source: "I don't see it happening with us. We pulled out in Nashville, and we haven't put an offer back on the table." O'Brien always has Hank Steinbrenner's ear, and Hank was noncommittal this time when asked about the Yanks' chances. It sounds like the Yankees would need to crack and put Ian Kennedy into the deal, which just doesn't seem wise. They'd be better off just calling off the whole thing, and it sounds like that's..   Continue Reading

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Carlos Silva Signs With Mariners

UPDATE, 12-20-07 at 3:18pm: The bar is raised higher than we thought - four years, $48MM according to Rosenthal. This is the new price of a big league innings eater. The Mariners remain interested in Erik Bedard and Johan Santana. UPDATE, 12-19-07 at 7:03pm: MLB.com's Jim Street is reporting via a source that the Silva deal is done. He agrees with Rosenthal's original figure of four years, $44MM. Remember a year ago, when the Twins weren't sure whether to exercise his $4MM option? UPDATE, 12-19-07 at 3:08pm: John Hickey of the Seattle PI expects Silva to be introduced to Seattle..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Santana, Cabrera, Kapler

A few good reads that I didn't know how to fit elsewhere. LENIII does a Johan Q&A. I can't say much has changed but he does dissect the situation well. Mike DiGiovanna also does a mailbag, with tidbits about Howie Kendrick, Miguel Cabrera, Paul Konerko, and many others. I know I said I like to skip minor signings, but it's interesting to see Gabe Kapler out of retirement, signing with the Brewers   Continue Reading

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Steinbrenner: "Outside Chance" For Johan

Hank Steinbrenner spoke to Kat O'Brien yesterday regarding Johan Santana. The key quote: "There's still an outside chance that we get him." Steinbrenner also indicated that he has final say over this deal, in case you were wondering. Plus, Steinbrenner said the Yankees looked into Mark Prior but are not currently interested. No worries for Prior, he's got plenty of suitors   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Barrett, Koufax, Santana

A few notes from this evening... Michael Barrett and the Padres avoided arbitration, arriving at a $3.5MM deal. A little less than I expected given his $4.6MM salary in '07. If some team acquires Barrett on the cheap he could bounce back if he's comfortable. Wasn't long ago he was one of the better-hitting catchers in the game. Is there even a slight chance he wouldn't embarrass himself back at the hot corner? Great ShysterBall post in reference to Curt Schilling's attempt to call out Roger Clemens. Sandy Koufax did not do steroids. Derrick Goold looks at how David Eckstein..   Continue Reading

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