From ESPN.com's Buster Olney:

The New York Mets won't know for sure about the status of star pitcher Johan Santana until sometime after he undergoes tests on Tuesday afternoon, but the expectation within the organization, sources say, is that Santana's injury is not so serious that he will require reconstructive elbow surgery.

Rather, the hope is that Santana, who has been pitching with elbow discomfort the entire season, be diagnosed with some sort of lesser problem, such as bone chips. If the injury is not serious, Santana could have corrective surgery now and presumably be ready for the start of spring training in 2010, barring any setbacks or complications. Santana, 30, is 13-9 with a 3.13 ERA, but his elbow discomfort has worsened as this season has progressed. He was scratched Monday from his next scheduled start, which was to come Tuesday at Florida.

Hoping about elbows doesn't always go very well. If we had to guess, there will be setbacks and the ex-Twins ace won't pitch again until 2011. If that's the case -- or even if it isn't -- does the trade before the 2008 season look any better? Keep in mind, Olney later talks in his piece about red flags re: Santana's elbow following the 2007 season and that the Twins privately feared he might be damaged goods.