Baseball Musings: Santana to the Mets?

May 01, 2006

Santana to the Mets?

Bob Sikes at Getting Paid to Watch believes the Mets can make a deal for Johan Santana:

With tonight's start by Victor Zambrano ominous and tomorrow's John Maine debut not much more than that, one can assume Omar Minaya must note the same. This team is built and invested to win now, and I believe Minaya won't let his cellphone go unused.
Look first toward the struggling. The Minnesota Twins come first to mind. Terry Ryan and Joe McIlavaine know the Mets well and have been trading partners in the past. Johann Santana has struggled, but might be had. But Ryan and Joe Mac wont go for a care package of four of five.

Santana is in the second year of a four year contract that will pay him $25 million over the last two seasons (2007, 2008). That's a lot of money to spend on one player on a losing team. Of course, without Santana they're likely to lose more. But this is how small market teams survive; trade your value for potential value that's a lot cheaper.

Posted by David Pinto at 03:15 PM | Trades | TrackBack (0)

Comments

put. the. pipe. down.

Yes, of course, a rotation of Pedro, Santana, Glavine, Pelfrey, and Tracshel would be just dandy, but do the Mets even have what it takes to get that done? Mr. Sikes doesn't propose anything, but it would have to start with Milledge & Heilman.

Johann Santana ain't exactly bargain bin, and I can't help thinking that with Omar's history of paying top dollar... it would cut deep into the Mets rather thin major league depth.

Posted by: bmc at May 1, 2006 04:01 PM

Any such trade would almost have to include Milledge, Pelfrey, and Heilman (off the top of my head), but I don't see that happening, and even if it did it might not be enough.

Of course, the Twins should ask for David Wright, but that should be a non-starter. There aren't many properties in baseball more valuable than Santana, but Wright is one of them.

Posted by: Subrata Sircar at May 1, 2006 04:01 PM

It would take at least Milledge and Pelfrey - but the problem is Minaya can't trade Pelfrey for another month and a half or so because he was a 2005 draftee.

For a stud like Santana, they might have to part with Jose Reyes.

Posted by: Mike A. at May 1, 2006 04:05 PM

Pelfrey can't be traded until next Jan. The rule is that players can't be traded until one year after they sign. Pelfrey signed with the Mets on Jan. 10, 2006, so Jan 10, 2007 is the earliest he can be traded.

Posted by: Mark S. at May 1, 2006 04:11 PM

I'd certainly deal Milledge or Pelfrey in a heartbeat to get Santana, and maybe both (we're talking about a guy who's 27 and the best pitcher in baseball here), but why would the Twins be that crazy?

Posted by: Crank at May 1, 2006 04:27 PM

Why stop with Santana? Why not get Jake Peavy and Felix Hernandez while they're at it? Maybe Chris Carpenter?

Posted by: David Dean at May 1, 2006 04:48 PM

they're not! get real and stop dreaming. 10 mil per for johan is a steal when smucks like burnett, garland, loiaza, garcia get unbelievable contracts. they are going to lose radkes 10 mil plus hunter's 12, i think they can afford to keep the best pitcher in baseball for 12 and 13 mil. you guys are nuts.

Posted by: matt at May 1, 2006 04:50 PM

doesn't make a lot of sense, but it sure makes my outh water thinking about it...

Posted by: gentry at May 1, 2006 05:02 PM

Nice to get such comments. And thanks for the link, David. The Mets wont part with Pelfrewy and cannot as reader Mark S indicates. But it would take Milledge and perhaps Heilman. The rest could come from the minors. The Twins will need starters in return, so Brian Bannister would most likely be part of the return package. Victor Zambrano also can go. He pitches better under less stressful circumstances and may be betrer suited to the AL. Plus he's cheap. Closer of the future Henry Owens is the wild card. If Milledge, Owens , and Bannister are included, it won't take too much more.
If indeed the Mets have deemed Milledge untouchable, this is a non-starter. With Tori Hunter close to leaving, Minnesota will need an impact player who's cheaper like Milledge. Any deal for a front-line starter this season will have to include Milledge. So if he's untouchable forget about it and pray Mike Pelfrey has the goods and can be a number three over the seasons last fifty games.

Posted by: Bob Sikes at May 1, 2006 05:04 PM

It would take Milledge, Heilman, Wright, and a minor league arm PLUS a couple million to help pay for Wright next year after arbitration.

I agree with the first post:

PUT. DOWN. THE. PIPE.

NY is not the end all, be all for baseball. There are 28 other teams...

go pluck a pitcher or two off of KC or PIT.

Posted by: Kris at May 1, 2006 05:17 PM

and BTW why is anyone giving any credence to what the former assistant athletic trainer for the New York Mets speculates.

i have a news story for you. former twins batboy who currrently works construction, thinks the padres will trade jake peavy for kyle loshe and either boof bonsor or matt moses. he was there for the 1991 championship so he must know what he is talking about.

its good to know that all i need is a blog and a assistant trainers job to pass an unbelievable amount of crap off.

Posted by: matt at May 1, 2006 05:54 PM

Let me start by saying a deal of this sort is very unlikely. If it were to happen, it wouldn't be until mid-June at the earliest. The Twins have not given up in this season despite the disappointing start. Having said all that, let me address some of the stuff thrown out in these comments:
1. David Wright will NOT be included in any deal.
2. The way to get around the one year waiting period is to make a player a PTBNL.
3. Minaya would not go after Peavy or Carpenter. They don't even speak Spanish.
4. Two top prospects + cash may be enough since the acquiring team would also be taking on Santana's salary. Not that he is overpaid for his ability.

Posted by: LargeBill at May 1, 2006 06:13 PM

Pelfrey cannot be a PTBNL, since the transaction must be completed within 6 months. Unless the trade doesn't happen until after July 10th. Then Pelfrey cannot be the PTBNL.

Posted by: Mark S. at May 1, 2006 06:18 PM

There are some pretty nasty comments here considering that Mr. Sikes simply suggested that the Twins could provide a possible trading partner for the Mets. He's speculating and offering a potential solution. He didn't say this trade is going to happen or that he has some insider info. It was a suggestion. Some people here are a bit high strung.

Posted by: Benjamin Kabak at May 1, 2006 06:21 PM

re: Santana

you got to change
you got to change your evil ways.....

---Carlos Santana

like the great guitarist before him, Johan Santana is an artist of the first rank, albeit with the baseball and not with the guitar.

The Phillies need to start thinking about acquiring him if he's in the market, just to keep him away from the Braves and Mets.

Oh, and by the way, Vincente Padilla, traded for nothing to Texas, was blowing 96 mph smoke last nite against Cleveland. Is there some collective insanity governing the franchise in Philly when you would replace a fireballer like Padilla with candyarmed rookie junkballers like Ryan Madsen & Gavin Floyd who can't get their fastballs much past 90 mph???

Padilla by the way was the last player left over from the horrendous Schilling trade. If kept, he'd of outlasted Schilling by five-ten years. Now he'll be doing that like Schilling for another team.

--arthur john kyriazis
--philly

Posted by: arthur john kyriazis at May 1, 2006 06:22 PM

Matt: thanks for the kind words and jibe at my first profession. Please let us all know how many years you spent in professional baseball and how many at the major league level. And what experience have you had in dealing with scouts, managers and front office executives? And tell us all how many times you've actually sat in while trades were being talked about between clubs. As the name of my blog suggests, I spent a lot of time watching and listening to what was going on around me. At any rate, in any discussion I've ever had on any level under any circumstances did I find the need to disparage someone's chosen profession.

Posted by: Bob Sikes at May 1, 2006 06:53 PM

Did Santana forget to throw in a no-trade clause when he negotiated his below-market contract extension?

Posted by: Trev at May 2, 2006 02:51 AM

The Twins cannot be seriously thinking of trading Santana already can they? Wouldn't it be best to see how far they'll go into the season to find out how competitive they can be. The Mets have all the money in the world , but somehow come the play-offs I don't believe they'll have what it takes to beat either The Cards or The Astros.

Posted by: AJ at May 2, 2006 04:18 PM

Santana + Liriano in 2007 and beyond = atleast 1 World Series

Posted by: twins_4_ever at October 1, 2006 06:22 AM

Post a comment

Baseball Info Solutions The publisher of the Bill James Handbook and a great source of stats.

ESPN.com's baseball page.

STATS, Inc. You'll find great baseball books and fantasy games here.

Baseball Direct Scoreboard This is powered by STATS, Inc. Good box scores, and good situational stats.

Baseball Reference.com It's like having Total Baseball and the Big Mac online!

Baseball Trade Rumors Thoughts on wheeling and dealing.

Baseball Prospectus.com Wonderful commentary and analysis.

Baseball Primer Baseball for the Thinking Fan.

The Hardball Times Baseball. Insight. Daily.

Minor League Spilts Database Up-to-date minor league statistics, broken down by situation.

Inside The Book A blog by the authors of The Book.

Baseboogle A search engine for baseball research sites.

Win Shares From Major League Baseball Graphs.

The Transaction Guy A baseball transactions blog.

Japan Baseball Daily An English language site for Japanese baseball news and stats.

Doug's Business of Baseball Weblog A blog with a focus on the economics of the game.

Why I Like Baseball A Yankee fan writes about her favorite team.

Skilton's Baseball Links Links to numerous baseball sources.

Dan Lewis A blog about all sports.

Birds in the Belfry A site about the Orioles. Articles and research.

Only Baseball Matters A baseball blog by a John J. Perricone.

Jocksalot Lots of sports links.

Al's Ramblings A Brewer's blog.

Futility Infielder Jay Jaffe's baseball site. More than just a blog.

Mike's Baseball Rants Mike Carminati's baseball blog.

Aaron's Baseball Blog A general interest baseball blog.

Boy of Summer Travis Nelson on baseball.

Baseball Crank Dan McLaughlin's blog on baseball, the war and politics.

Bambino's Curse Edward Cossette's blog about the Red Sox.

Oakland Athletics Blog David Levens writes about the A's.

Ducksnorts Articles and Blog by Geoff.

Boston Sports Media Bruce Allen's roundup of the Boston Sports Media.

The Diamond Angle An online baseball magazine.

The Cub Reporter A Chicago Cubs blog.

Bronx Banter A baseball blog by Al Belth.

At Home Plate Articles by Jonathan Leshanski.

Dodger Thoughts Jon Weisman on the Dodgers.

The Clark & Addison Chronicle A Chicago Cubs web log.

Baseball Writing Joe Zibell's essays on baseball.

The Eddie Kranepool Society A Mets blog.

Mariners Weblog The Seattle Post-Intelligencer's weblog written by Shannon Fears

PortlandSoxFan.com A Red Sox blog from Portland, CT.

The Detroit Tigers Weblog Two Tigers fans and their take on the Motor City team.

A Rookie's Life The blog of Cleveland Indians' rookie Jody Gerut.

The Baseball Desert An Englishman living in France writes about the American game.

ChiSox Daily Mike Lubuda writes about the White Sox.

Shallow Center A blog mostly about the Phillies.

The House that Dewey Built Jeff Kuhn writes about the Red Sox.

SethSpeaks.net A blog by a Twins fan.

Frank's Field of Dreams News about Asian players in the United States.

Jay's Giants Blog William Jay blogging about the Giants.

Baseball Savant Cutting edge baseball news and analysis updated everyday from all aspects of the greatest show on dirt!

Athletics Nation Blogging about the A's.

Red Reporter JD Arney writes about the Reds.

Dominican Players Raul Tavares writes about players from his home country.

The Pearly Gates An Anaheim Angels Blog.

Red Sox Haven Randy Booth on baseball.

Tigers Weblog The Detroit News weblog on the Tigers, written by Tom Gage.

Management by Baseball Jeff Angus writes on how business can learn from baseball.

The View From the Bleachers A Chicago Cubs blog.

Cubs Now! Brian Hipp on the Cubs.

Honest Wagner A Pittsburgh Pirates weblog.

All-Baseball.com A collection of excellent baseball weblogs.

Soxaholix A comic strip blog about the Red Sox.

Most Valuable Network Blogging all 30 teams.

Baseball, Etcetera Andrew Godfrey's baseball blog.

Most Valuable Network, Astros Lisa Gray and others write about the Astros.

fenwayfanatics.com A Boston Red Sox blog.

Balls, Sticks & Stuff A sports blog with an emphasis on baseball.

Phillies Nation Brian Michael writes about the Phillies.

Batgirl Less stats, more sass.

Sabernomics Economic thinking about baseball.

Fire Brand of the American League A blog about the Red Sox.

Ivy Chat Chicago Cubs and other rants.

Baseball Evolution A group website writing about baseball.

The Cubdom.com Byron Clarke blogs about the Cubs.

Red Sox Stats Sabermetric numbers for the Red Sox system.

DRays Bay A blog devoted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Baseball Analysts Rich Lederer and Bryan Smith combine their baseball expertise into a single site.

Over the Monster A Red Sox blog by Randy Booth.

Viva el Birdos Ghosts of the St. Louis Cardinals past, present, and future.

Black Sox Blog A look at the current and historical teams of the South Side of Chicago.

Redleg Nation A group blog about the Cincinnati Reds.

Barry's Journal Barry Bonds' web log.

Hardball Dollars Keeping track of major league salaries.

Clem's Baseball and it's "Green Cathedrals" The resource for baseball stadiums on the web.

The Baseball Zealot Looking at the game of baseball from all sides of the spectrum .

Was Watching Laconic commentary from a Yankeeland zealot.

Bleed Cubbie Blue A Chicago Cubs blog.

Beaneball A's baseball from the heart of New York City.

The Writers A collection of sports writers express their opinions.

Yard Work What the Baseball Tonight crew would write if it could.

United States of Baseball Peter Handrinos' baseball columns.

Beer Leaguer Alternative veiwpoints on the Philadelphia Phillies.

Red Sox Connection Links to everything Red Sox.

Baseball Pilgrimages Stories of visits to baseball parks.

Fangraphs Multi-year charts of player stats.

Roto Authority Unique fantasy baseball information.

Yanksfan vs. Soxfan A Yankees fan and a Red Sox fan battle it out in the blogosphere.

Sawxblog.com A Red Sox fan writes about the home town team.

Oriole Magic An MVN blog about the Orioles.

The Baltimore Chop Joseph Jackson on the Orioles.

Lookout Landing A Seattle Mariners blog.

Sons of Bart Brush A blog about the Harvard baseball team.

Base Blogging A resource for sports and baseball bloggers.

Three True Outcomes A group blog by on major league baseball.

Cardinals Diaspora A blog for Cardinals fans living away from St. Louis.

Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke? A Pittsburgh fan chronicles life in the Grand Canyon.

Brew Crew Ball A blog about the Milwaukee Brewers.

Getting Paid to Watch Posts by a former trainer for the NY Mets.

The Gas House Gang An historical St. Louis Cardinals Blog.

6-4-2 An Angels/Dodgers double play blog.

El Guapo's Ghost Rambles on about the Red Sox Baseball and the Red Sox.

Baseball Etc

Tiger Tales A Detroit Tigers web log.

The Baseball Card Blog A blog about baseball cards.

Sox1Fan A Red Sox blog.

Out of Left Field Another Red Sox blog.

New York Yankees Update A Yankees blog with lots of photos.

Liberty Ball A current and historical Phillies blog.

Crawfish Boxes A Houston Astros blog.

MLB Rumors Clearinghouse News from around the majors.

Roar From 34 A group blog about the Orioles.

Blogging Baseball All-time baseball highlights and real-time commentary.

Rubber Arm A group blog about major league baseball.

Fenway Nation More news about the Red Sox.

Rays of Light A Devil Rays blog.

Fantasy Baseball Chronicle Information for fantasy players.

American Legends A sports blog.

Duffy's Cliff An interactive Red Sox site, featuring a lexicon of the Red Sox.

Oriole Post - The World of Baseball and Beyond An Orioles blog.

DRays Bay A Devil Rays blog.

Mets Heads A blog about the New York Mets.

The Soul of Baseball Joe Posnanski promotes his book on Buck O'Neil and blogs about baseball.

My Baseball Bias A blog about East Coast baseball.

Sports Business Radio Articles and talk about the business of sports.

The Game of Baseball A blog about Major League Baseball.

Baseball Hot Corner Opinionated observations for the thinking fan.

FantasyDope.com Fantasy baseball news.

Peter's Red Sox Forever A Red Sox blog.

Sox Nest Commentary on the Red Sox.

The Big Oz A Florida Marlins blog.

Baseball Reflections Where old school baseball meets sabermetrics.

The Sommer Frieze A Yankees blog.

Fenway Nation A Red Sox fan site.

In-Between Hops A Milwaukee Brewers blog.

Right Field Bleachers Another Milwaukee Brewers blog.

On Baseball and the Reds Another Cincinnati Reds blog.

Crooked Pitch A fantasy baseball blog.

Bless You Boys A Detroit Tigers blog.

Cubs f/x Pitch f/x and the Chicago Cubs.

The Hot Corner

Eephus Pitch Tossing pure junk about New York baseball since 2006.

It Is High, It Is Far, It Is Caught A tribute to John Sterling.

Baseball GB Baseball from a British perspective.

Nick and Nick's Twins Blog A couple of Nicks write on the Twins.

SkyKing162 Baseball with a hint of lime.

Center Field A Red Sox blog.

Empyreal Environs Writing about the Red Sox.

Trophy League Planet Aggregating the baseball blogosphere.

Cardinals Best News Links Aggregating St. Louis Cardinals news.

Zell's Pinstripe Blog A Yankees Blog.

HSAC Blog Official Musings of the Harvard College Sports Analysis Collective.

The Baseball Fix A general baseball blog.

MLB Roundup A baseball video blog.

Fantasy Dope Fantasy Baseball News.

The Cubs Brickyard Hilarious fake news.

Spitting Seeds A blog about Major League baseball.

Infield Chatter A blog covering all aspects of baseball.

The Bronx View A blog and podcast about the Yankees.

Jorge Says No A blog about the Yankees.

Ivy League to MLB Shawn Haviland blogs about his efforts to rise through the Oakland Athletics system.

This Purist Bleeds Pinstripes Blog of a girl who somehow has found a way to balance being a baseball purist with being a New York Yankees fan.

Baseball from Wrigley A Chicago Cubs blog.

Sliding into Home A Yankees blog.

Boras Blog Blogging about Scott Boras.

Injury Tool Fantasy Pitch F/X offers complete information on injuries.

Instapundit Politics and the law. This site inspired me to start blogging.

Rookie Cards Baseball Card grading.

Wild Treasure Treasure hunts through the blogosphere.

San Diego Ticket Finder San Diego Ticket Information.

Prize Sports.net Baseball Collectibles.

Fantasy Sports R Us The #1 Fantasy Baseball Leagues site on the web.

RotoRank - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guides Customized For Any Fantasy Baseball League.