Twins in no hurry to trade Santana

Opposing teams remain interested in the star lefthander, but Minnesota hasn't gotten any closer to making a trade.

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: December 5, 2007 - 11:59 PM

NASHVILLE - At the end of the third full day of Major League Baseball's annual winter meetings, the Twins appeared to be no closer to dealing ace Johan Santana than they were when they arrived.

So it's a real possibility the club will pack up and head back to the Twin Cities on Friday with their two-time Cy Young award winner still on their payroll.

Team officials continue to indicate that they are in no hurry to trade Santana.

It's not for a lack of effort. Several teams, including, the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Mariners and Rangers remain interested in the two-time Cy Young award winner.

The Twins have negotiated with teams well into night every day this week, trying to agree on a fair return. Nothing seemed close on Wednesday.

"Everything can change with one phone call," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said.

While showing the same resolve he probably has been showing during talks with clubs, Smith wouldn't comment much further.

"There's a very obvious issue out there,'' he said. "I don't think it's right to change my track here.''

There were some reports on Tuesday that the Twins only had Boston as a viable suitor. That changed on Wednesday.

It's believed the Twins still are holding out for outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and lefthander Jon Lester to be part of a three- or four-player package from Boston. Reports out of Boston suggested the Red Sox were concerned about the burden of adding Santana's expected contract demands of at least six years and up to $150 million. He likely wants to agree to an extension before he waves his no-trade clause.

The Yankees were reportedly in and out of the sweepstakes at various times over the past couple of days. Their package is still believed to be Melky Cabrera, righthander Phillip Hughes and at least one other prospect. The Twins have wanted righthander Ian Kennedy to be added to the deal.

The Mets were believed to be out of the running until Wednesday. They have two fine outfield prospects in Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez, but indications are that they would have to offer someone like shortstop Jose Reyes to get Santana.

"Everyone knows who is out there,'' Mets manager Willie Randolph said. "The big fish are out there. Santana is still out there. I don't think that we're necessarily out of the picture even though I think Boston and the Yankees get most of the play on that. Depends on what Minnesota wants, if they have what we like, that's something that might happen.''

Seattle could put two good prospects -- outfielder Adam Jones and righthander Brian Morrow -- into play.

Texas was believed to have spoken with the Twins on Tuesday. Third baseman Hank Blalock would fill a need if he was part of a package.

It's unclear, however, if Santana would be willing to accept a trade to Seattle or Texas.

The Angels, who have power-hitting infield prospect Brandon Wood, weren't involved in Santana talks as of Wednesday afternoon. But the teams had met to talk about other Los Angeles players. The Twins need a center fielder, and the Angels have two available in Reggie Willits and Gary Matthews Jr.

There's a chance some nosy kid poking around the parents' closets over the next couple weeks will find out what's for Christmas before Santana finds out where he's dealt, if anywhere. The Twins might have to prove what they hinted at before the meetings began - that they aren't afraid of opening the season with Santana on the mound.

"I've said all along, it's our first choice,'' said Smith, who has offered Santana a four-year, $80 million extension. "We would love to have him, love to keep him.''

Recent Twins stories

Yankees top Phillies 7-3 for their 27th championship - December 5, 2007

Yankees top Phillies 7-3 for their 27th championship - Powered by Hideki Matsui's record-tying six RBI, New York won a record 27th World Series crown. More