Guerra is the only one they would have to wait on, and he’s the only prospect mentioned who’s projected to be a #1 starter.

So the Twins might have to wait a year or two longer to reap the benifits. I don’t know how much that would effect their decision making. But with the Mets package they have a much better shot at actually filling Santana’s vaccancy with a true top of the rotation starter.

Also, we are offering them 3 very good pitching prospects. Pitching is always in demand. If they don’t need the pitching I’m sure they can turn around and trade one for a highly rated minor league middle infielder.

They wouldn’t want 2 sandwich picks because they are only getting 2 players back, most likely, neither of which would be as good as the best 3 the Mets are offering. Again, they can always trade these players to fill a need if they want to.

Besides, if they (for some strange reason) would prefer the picks. Let them have at it. I would rather keep all of our prospects and sign him as a free agent next year.

If nothing we offer them is at a position of need in their farm system, someone who can compete fast, or some one they think is a can’t miss player like Martinez, why wouldn’t they rather just take the sandwich picks and use it to select players at positions they need, or players they think will be studs?

I’m not saying this is necessarily the situation but it’s something to consider.

I think that Omar can land Santana with the current rumored offer without adding Martinez to the deal. Who knows how much of these rumors are true? Maybe Omar can land him for less.

Guerra projects as a #1 starter. He was 18 last year playing in high A. How do you figure he prbly won’t be better than the 2 Boston is offering? Humber will probably be as good or better than Masterson, and Mulvey projects as a 2-3 starter just like Lester.

Gomez could easily become one of the best defensive CF’s in the game. He is faster than Reyes, has a strong arm and tracks down fly balls that Beltran could only dream about getting to. If he can maintain a .350 OBP he will be one of the better leadoff hitters around.

So I see no reason to offer more than that package which is at least as good as Boston’s. I also don’t see why the Twins would prefer 2 comp picks over this package. But I hope that DO they keep him for 08 so we can get him as a free agent next year and won’t have to give up anything. haha

“Leverage, right now, belongs to the Twins. The jockeying by the Yankees, Red Sox. and Mets has driven the asking price for Santana up. If the Yankees truly pull out and the Red Sox hold on to their key prospects, the Twins asking price will change. Santana, is in the drivers seat, because of his “no trade” contract provision. The Twins do not want being in the position of losing him to free agency and getting nothing in return. The Mets should keep seeking other options but stay involved in talks with the Twins as a last ditch option. The Yankees and Red Sox are really in this for the one-up-manship against each other. If their respective stances are not ploys for rhetoric or public relations but hardball, the Twins bargaining strength becomes a disadvantage over time! The best thing that has happened for them [Twins] was the trade of Haren to the Diamondbacks. That removed a competative, viable option for the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets. Our Mets must continue contacting the Twins expressing interest and Omar put on the best poker face that he can. A deal of this nature does not need microwaving. This one needs a crockpot approach by simmering over time!”

It appears as though things are falling right into line for the Mets!!!

They won’t be able to resist it. It would be the best from a quality and quantity standpoint. Why trade Santana for Hughes plus crap when you can get 4 pretty good young players and crap?

Background:. The Minnesota People just ponied up for a new ball park…..if you know Minnesota sports…this is significant and important to this discussion. Bill Smith is a new GM….new…I said… not stupid. Point 1: The Twins can’t let Santana walk for a less than inspiring deal or the public would lynch them. If this fair deal isn’t reached the Twins PR machine will have Santana starting in 2008 for the Twins and if they can’t sign or move him they will take the 2 Comp picks……check Minny’s past and recent history..you will see a trend Point 2: The Red Sox standing offers of: Package A: Crisp, Lester (2-3 Starter), Lowrie (a future starter at 2B or SS) and Masterson OR Package B: Ellsbury, Lowrie, Masterson (4-5 starter) + one other top 10 prospect TBD. Several no doubters in those groups for the 40 man roster. The Yankees standing offer of Hughes, Melky and another lower level prospect TBD. Neither of which meets the criteria of Point 1 for the Twins. Now we have the Mets supposed offer of Gomez, Humber, Mulvey, Guerra and MAYBE Martinez. With the MAYBE, there is ZERO chance that Minny takes the deal. Boston Win’s in Package A or B. 4-1 is a loser and will NEVER happen. So 5 for 1 is a must and look at what you lost:..Gomez….Decent OF (Better than Crisp or Ellsbury, umm maybe, probably not)….Mulvey, Humber and Guerra (Better than Lester or Masterson, ummm probaly not)….In additon none of which is head or shoulders above anything in the current Minny Farm system….all Mets prospects would 4 or 5 starters at best…and more depth for the Twins. Now Martinez is the Only jewel….BUT young and unproven but reeks of potential. Bottom Line: It would have to 5 for 1 to get the best LH Starter of the past 20 years or Minny will “settle” for the Sox Package A / B or he goes to the Yanks for a Future #1 or #2 Starter in Hughes and Melky who fills CF with the TBD probably never cracking the 40 man roster. Bottom Line: I hope he goes to the Mets…It would break my heart watching him mow down the Twins for The Yankees or Bosox. This is opportunity in a life time for some team….and the Twins know it. He won’t be had on the cheap unless they fail to trade or sign and they only get the two comp picks…