Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Like Sands Through the
Hourglass
Yesterday, I went to work figuring that because I was away from my
computer all day, I would miss the timing on a Johan Santana trade. I didn’t
think that the Twins would cave in to the Yankees threat to end negotiations
with the Twins, but I at least thought that there would be discussions. From
what I understand, there weren’t any discussion really even worth talking
about. That, of course, left to another day of nothing be
rumor and projections. Again, I just want it over and resolved. Is this the
point where the Twins open up negotiations with Santana and his agent? Should
the Twins just give themselves a deadline to make a deal? Should they just say
to all involved teams that we want your absolute best offer by a certain date
and time? Or, should Bill Smith just play this out and see where it goes? In
reality, there is risk in each situation. If the Twins hold out for a little
bit more, it is possible that teams involved will pull out and move onto the
other pitchers that may be available. Guys like Erik Bedard
and Dan Haren could certainly help the Yankees too.
The Red Sox don’t really need Santana. He would just be another luxury. The
teams on the west coast may be less willing to increase their offers. But if
the Twins could get just a little bit more by waiting, shouldn’t they do that?
It may not seem like a huge deal, but there is a very fine line right here
relative to time.
There were several rumors reported yesterday of discussions
between the Twins and the Houston Astros regarding Joe Nathan. Chris Burke was
one of the names mentioned. He has been with the Astros most of the last three
years but he has never been given a shot at a real full-time job. It is pretty
reminiscent of the Michael Cuddyer situation from a
few years ago. I certainly don’t see as much upside in Burke as I did with Cuddyer, but he could be an adequate 2B option. Along with
Burke, the name of Matt Albers has been mentioned.
Nathan, who lives in Knoxville, made
the drive over to Nashville for the day on Monday. Wouldn’t it be
interesting if he was traded
back to the San Francisco Giants?!
Kevin
Slowey’s name was mentioned on the Washington
Nationals site as a guy, along with the Mets Mike Pelfrey,
that the Nationals would like to acquire. An Austin Kearns for Kevin Slowey makes no sense. Despite what the article says, Kearns is not an above average centerfielder. He has not
really played much CF. He has not really done a whole lot since his rookie year
and has not consistently stayed healthy. An Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez for
Kevin Slowey trade makes a
little bit more sense in that the Twins do need a shortstop. However, unless
the Nationals threw in about $8 million for the Twins, it still makes no sense.
Well, as of right now, there really isn’t anything more to report
on. I would like to keep the Comments going today as rumors pop up. If there is
a trade, I will try to get something posted soon after I hear about it. Of
course, you are always welcome to e-mail
me. Have a good day!