Read: Santana Almost Traded to Texas
Jon Heyman at SI.com reports that Johan Santana was very close to becoming a Texas Ranger before being dealt to the Mets.
Heyman writes:
“Indications are that Texas’ trade discussions with the Twins progressed to the point where there was either agreement or near agreement on the young players going back to Minnesota. At that point, executives involved in the talks believed that the trade was very likely to be consummated if only Santana gave a more enthusiastic response when Twins higher ups quizzed him about whether he’d accept a trade to the Rangers. However, a diplomatic Santana is believed to have told the Twins only that he’d ‘consider’ going to Texas, an answer that was seen as less than enthusiastic.”
…more evidence that santana’s preference to play in the national league and with the mets was a key part in getting the deal done…
…added to by Matthew Cerrone…
…way, way back on December 11 i wrote, “From what I can gather, the Rangers are the third team in this mix, not the Yankees, Mariners or Angels, but I do not believe they have much of a chance to get him anyway.”…
…i am surprised to hear that discussions were further along than i anticipated…goes to show you, never underestimate any team when in the middle of hype and the Hot Stove…
