November 20, 2007
Face Saving Offer?
MLB FanHouse notes a rumor that the Twins made Johan Santana a five-year, $93 million dollar offer. That's almost double the yearly salary the Twins were paying under the old contract.
Now whether or not Santana is going to accept the deal, that's an entirely different story. It's probably not easy to turn down $93 million, but if anybody can feel comfortable doing it, Johan Santana can. If Johan were to ever hit the open market, I've no doubt he could get at least $20 million a season, if not $25 million.
Personally, I feel the Twins are resigned to the fact that they're going to have to part ways with Santana at some point. Whether they do it via a trade, or just let him walk after next season.
No, I think this offer is one they expect Santana to reject so that way when they do trade him, they can save some face in the public relations battle. "We tried to sign him, we made a very nice offer, but Johan chose to go elsewhere."
I disagree here. The free agent market has been very soft so far this season. A-Rod and Lowell signed for less than I thought. Again, revenue is growing, and the amount of that revenue going to player salaries has dropped. That gives teams plenty of room for big salaries where they see fit. I'm guessing if the Twins go to $100 million for five years, there's a good chance Johan signs, and there's no reason the Twins can't add another seven million to the deal.
Posted by David Pinto at
10:58 AM
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Has the free agent market been soft so far? What about the deals for Posada and Mo? JC Romero also seems a tad overpaid.
Someone could have been more creative in trying to land Mo or Posada. It wasn't like the Yankees were pushed into offering Mo a fourth year, for example.
Here's an example. The Cleveland Indians haven't won a World Series since 1948. They have a catcher who they would like to move to first. Why not offer Posada $45 million for three years? Cleveland's done a good job of conserving money and building from within. But there's no great extra-reward for winning only that way. It's a team where a signing a great player like A-Rod or Posada might put them over the edge. It's exactly the right time for the Indians to go after a star free-agent, and they're not doing it.
What about Garko, then? He's not as good as V Mart or Posada, but he's certainly not the weakest link on the Indians. Even if we just got Kobayashi, I wouldn't mind a little more action--maybe an outfielder? There aren't any amazing players in either R or L--Jason Michaels? Franklin Gutierrez? I wouldn't mind keeping the 15/yr and putting into a solid outfielder.
Well soft unless you are Posada or Rivera. Paying Rivera $15 million a year for 3 years at this stage of his career is pretty ridiculous. Same for Posada. Does anybody really think either of them will be that effective at the end of these contracts?
Absolutely right - Posada can't catch anymore and unless you think Riveras best days are ahead he really cashed in - same with Abreau - if $19m is chicken feed for Santana the year before he's free - God Bless him - he's going to really cash in
the fact of the matter here is that now Johan is seeking a 6-year offer but MIN is only offering him 4 years. I dont think the money is the huge issue here, just the timelength.