2008 Woodie Awards
Twins need to deal ace sooner rather than later
by Josh Berhow
Issue date: 1/17/08
Section: Sports Commentary
If the Minnesota Twins plan on dealing the best pitcher in baseball, they'd better get to work.
Other than everything that has gone on with the Mitchell Report, the Johan Santana sweepstakes has been the biggest topic in baseball over the winter. And as the starter enters his last year under contract, it's essential they trade him before Spring Training.
Who wouldn't love to see Santana get a long-term deal from the Twins? Unfortunately, we all know a deal like that won't happen in Minnesota.
It only makes sense to trade Santana now, since players who are traded before the trade deadline have much less value than they would in the offseason.
Or he could play this year out in Minny, but then we can do nothing but wave good-bye as he signs with another team in the offseason, with the Twins receiving no players in return for his departure.
A few teams have already been frustrated dealing with new Twins' General Manager Bill Smith, who hasn't pulled the trigger on his ace yet. The Yankees have dropped in and out of the race a couple different times. The only thing the Twins need to happen is one team to come out and start serious talks, which would awake other teams to get back in the race-for-the-ace.
The Mets are rumored to be the most interested now, and if Jose Reyes was in the deal, Santana would be gone already - but that isn't going to happen. All the Mets have offered are some young prospects, though.
What the Twins need to do is get a hold of Hank Steinbrenner, and continue talks with the Yankees. I know, the rich will get richer, but they can give the Twins a solid package in return.
Package a trade that involves Santana for Melky Cabrera and Phil Hughes, along with prospects being thrown in to even out the difference. Cabrera would be a solid addition to the lineup, and also helps with his underrated speed. His bat, along with good speed, would help fill the void left by Luis Castillo's presence in the top of the order. And if Phil Hughes comes remotely close to all the hype around him, the Twins should be in pretty good shape with him in the top half of the rotation for years to come.
Whatever the Twins decide to do, they should do it soon, so they can move on to their next offseason project -- signing Justin Morneau to an Alex Ovechkin-like deal - before he gets too expensive.
Josh Berhow is the Reporter assistant sports editor
Other than everything that has gone on with the Mitchell Report, the Johan Santana sweepstakes has been the biggest topic in baseball over the winter. And as the starter enters his last year under contract, it's essential they trade him before Spring Training.
Who wouldn't love to see Santana get a long-term deal from the Twins? Unfortunately, we all know a deal like that won't happen in Minnesota.
It only makes sense to trade Santana now, since players who are traded before the trade deadline have much less value than they would in the offseason.
Or he could play this year out in Minny, but then we can do nothing but wave good-bye as he signs with another team in the offseason, with the Twins receiving no players in return for his departure.
A few teams have already been frustrated dealing with new Twins' General Manager Bill Smith, who hasn't pulled the trigger on his ace yet. The Yankees have dropped in and out of the race a couple different times. The only thing the Twins need to happen is one team to come out and start serious talks, which would awake other teams to get back in the race-for-the-ace.
The Mets are rumored to be the most interested now, and if Jose Reyes was in the deal, Santana would be gone already - but that isn't going to happen. All the Mets have offered are some young prospects, though.
What the Twins need to do is get a hold of Hank Steinbrenner, and continue talks with the Yankees. I know, the rich will get richer, but they can give the Twins a solid package in return.
Package a trade that involves Santana for Melky Cabrera and Phil Hughes, along with prospects being thrown in to even out the difference. Cabrera would be a solid addition to the lineup, and also helps with his underrated speed. His bat, along with good speed, would help fill the void left by Luis Castillo's presence in the top of the order. And if Phil Hughes comes remotely close to all the hype around him, the Twins should be in pretty good shape with him in the top half of the rotation for years to come.
Whatever the Twins decide to do, they should do it soon, so they can move on to their next offseason project -- signing Justin Morneau to an Alex Ovechkin-like deal - before he gets too expensive.
Josh Berhow is the Reporter assistant sports editor
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