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January 10, 2008
Hank: I'm Leaning Away From Santana
From the Daily News -
Brian Cashman has remained protective of the Yankees' assembled prospects, while Hal Steinbrenner has been equally shielding of the team's finances.
Hank Steinbrenner? That's been another story for much of the winter.
But while stressing there is "absolutely nothing new" in terms of recent trade discussions with the Twins, Hank is beginning to sound convinced - if not nearly ready - to walk away from any potential blockbuster deal for Johan Santana.
"We went into this with me making the final baseball decisions and Hal more addressing the financial aspects of the company, but we both do everything," Steinbrenner said yesterday in a phone interview. "We're equal partners, but at this point, to tell you the truth, I'm leaning away from it anyway, so it doesn't matter. Same thing with Brian, he's another integral part of it, obviously, being the general manager, and one day he's leaning to do it and the next day he's not sure.
"But what it comes down to right now is giving up a lot (in a trade) and then having to do the big contract, as well. If (Santana) was just a free agent, we could just go ahead and do it. There's a big difference this way. We have to sign him as if he's a free agent, plus you have to give up major talent. That's a tall order."
Sounds a little like some passive-aggressive Bayard Street haggling here to me. I don't think Hank is really ready to pull up his tent on this one yet.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at January 10, 2008 09:29 AM
Comments
I think this fortifies the comments I made a while back. By tip-toeing with the tampering line, Hank's letting Santana and his agent know that the truck with the money is warming up in the parking lot. Minni ends up looking like the unreasonable party here because …“They can’t come to an agreement with anyone.” Hank could also handcuff Minni because of Santana's no trade clause. Santana has a value to the Yankees in terms of dollars +/- trade pieces. If they can get him without the trade pieces, he's worth more money. Stay in Minni, collect your '08 contract, move to the Bronx in '09, become the highest paid pitcher in baseball history, and have a full squad of youngsters around to help the team win. Of course, he risks getting hurt or having a bad year. If he's confident, then waiting works in his favor.
Posted by: #15 ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at January 10, 2008 09:58 AM
#15 - There's probably something to your theory. It's the only rational explanation to why Hank won't STFU about this subject (other than his Daddy issues and having a small pecker).
Posted by: MJ at January 10, 2008 12:07 PM
I just laughed out loud, M.J. I'm so ashamed.
Posted by: brockdc at January 10, 2008 01:12 PM
Just curious -- does anyone know what other pitchers have their contracts up after '08? One thing that's been ignored thus far is the opportunity cost -- even if Santana ends up going to another team, that presumably makes it easier for the Yankees to (if necessary) sign somebody else (presumably for less). Who else might be out there in twelve months?
Posted by: Mrs. Peterson-Kekich at January 10, 2008 03:44 PM
heres some 2009 FA http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/01/2009-mlb-free-a.html
CC Cabathia being very notable, but I don't foresee him doing well here. Id rather spend that money on tex
Posted by: Corey at January 10, 2008 04:57 PM
I'd like of like Big Tex too. The Yanks need a replacement for Giambi and a real first baseman (and not all this Matsui/Posada/Damon experimental crap). The one thing about Tex that frightens me is that he seems to have plateaued.
Posted by: MJ at January 10, 2008 06:27 PM
think about what yankee stadium can do for him tho
Posted by: Corey at January 10, 2008 07:30 PM
Peavy will also be a FA.
On YES Yankee Hot Stove, Cash said right now (always with the qualifiers) they're going with the roster they have.
Posted by: Travis G. at January 10, 2008 08:04 PM
Peavy will also be a FA.
----
didnt he sign an extentsion? im pretty sure
Posted by: Corey at January 11, 2008 11:53 AM