Mariners Might Be Able to Wait for Santana

There have been reports today that the New York Yankees and our Seattle Mariners are not in the bidding for Johan Santana. I still believe that no one really knows what's going on, because both teams would be foolish to rule themselves out completely, but if true that leaves the Red Sox and Mets as the lone bidders for Santana's services.

As I said in a previous post, the Red Sox don't really want Santana, and I'm not the only one with that take on things. So that really leaves the New York Mets as the only ones trying to get Johan Santana, the best pitcher in baseball. I find that hard to believe, but let's go with it.

If there was really only one team trying to obtain Johan, I don't think Minnesota GM Bill Smith would bother trading him. True, Santana will not drop his no-trade clause once the season starts, but Smith has to hope that the Twins' billionaire owner will pony up more than $80M to re-sign him. It's doubtful, but may be better than taking next to nothing for the most valuable pitcher in baseball. If Santana is not re-signed the Twins will get a couple of top draft picks, which could be as valuable as any offer a lone bidder would put up.

If that happens, Seattle would be able to bid for Santana next offseason with Richie Sexson's contract off the books, and without giving up any of our promising youth. Unfortunately every team in baseball would be in the same position next offseason, but who knows what can happen.

For a good read on why Santana hasn't been traded, and why he should be traded, check out this Sporting News article. [Jo-San]