As for Santana, was just doing some research of the last 4 seasons (which were his first 4 full years as a starter). I noted his numbers for Wins, Winning %, ERA, SO, and IP and compared them with other “aces” out there. Santana lead a group of Jake Peavy, Brandon Webb, Barry Zito, Roy Oswalt, Carlos Zambrano, Josh Beckett, C.C. Sabathia, Roy Halladay, and John Lackey. Santana lead this group in EVERY category. He is more than an ace, he is the best in the game hands down. Plus he’s only 28 and is known for his workout regimen, meaning that he has an above average chance of staying healthy and pitching at a high level for a long time. Also from what I’ve seen he’s a pretty good guy, friendly with the fans and media, gold-glove fielder, all of it. Make the trade!

Same with FAs. At some point, teams are going to grab whats left, and the guys without contracts are going to get nervous and take something.

ANd once the action starts, it is going to happen fast and furious.

Hopefully Omar isn’t the one without a chair when the music starts.

ALthough quite possibly, the rest of the available options are so unappetizing, he may be looking at is as Johan, or stand pat. Or maybe offer Garcia or someone like that a deal, just to get some depth.

They are done with Santana but look for them to trade Melky to the NL for another lower teir pitcher. (Lower teir compared to Santana). Wouldn’t be shocked if they try to pry an Ian Snell or a good reliever from a team. Esp. Demaso Marte or somebody like that. Santana ain’t going to the Bronx and the Twins know he won’t want to stay in the AL and pitch in those 2 dreaded stadiums. That’s why this is going nowhere.

once the Mets make a new formal offer, if they even feel the need to change thier last offer, the Twins will take a few days to agree to it, shop around for more from the Yanks and Red Sox, then we’ll still have to wait a few more days for the contract to be worked out. Its maddening, but it’ll be worth it when they get him in the end.