The Santana Seesaw
The battle to acquire Johan Santana is becoming more and more like a seesaw ride. A day after the Yankees have announced that they are willing to part with Phil Hughes to acquire the pitcher, the Red Sox might now be willing to include top center-field prospect Jacoby Ellsbury in their offer to Minnesota.
Citing certain sources, ESPN.com reported Sunday that Boston had backed off its (original) refusal to include Ellsbury. But if Ellsbury is to be in the deal, the Red Sox will pull back left-handed starter Jon Lester.
The Winter Meetings begin tomorrow, and the Santana sweepstakes will likely steal the show.
The Minnesota Twins will have evaluate what they want: Phil Hughes, center fielder Melky Cabrera, and an additional prospect from the Yankees or Boston’s offer, which could include Ellsbury, Minor League shortstop Jed Lowrie, and a pitching prospect such as Justin Masterson or Michael Bowden.
And don’t forget other possible contenders, including the Los Angeles Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Mets. However, it’s looking more and more like the Yankees and the Red Sox are the top contenders, or rivals, in this possible deal.
And no one should forget that Santana, who will turn 29 on March 13, 2008, has a no-trade clause and is all but certain to seek a contract extension from the Twins before agreeing to be moved. There are several reports circulating that Santana is seeking a monster contract – something on the order of $150 million over six years.
[…] this is interesting news because the Yankees are in the middle of a seesaw battle to acquire Johan Santana. You have to wonder whether their initial interest was due to uncertainty […]
Pettitte Will Not Retire « Recap of the 2007 MLB Playoffs said this on December 3, 2007 at 9:39 am |
I have been a redsox fan for 60yrs, and Ellesberry is the most exciting player I have seen ever on this team,if they trade him I think It will be the biggest mistake they have made since they traded “babe Ruth”. I hope if he is traded that he becomes a super star and comes back and beats them every time they meet!!!. I will be routing for the team he is on “against” the redsox. Maybe we can start another hex on the sox for about 82yrs.
mickmck707.
Boston
I totally agree! Ellsberry is a young kid who plays with a passion. Another rookie that comes to mind who plays with a passion is Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies. Difference here is that the Rockies aren’t considering giving Tulowitzki up!