Santana and Sox? How it could work!

As the drool continues to cover my chin as I realize the possibility that this deal could get done. Which deal? The deal that the Red Sox and the Twins are currently working! There are a few nay-sayers on each side of the fence, but let me tell you why this deal works for both teams.

THE NAY-SAYERS

The Nay-sayers in Minnesota are upset because they expect the world for Johan Santana and aren’t considering the business-side of these types of deals. The Twins organization face a tough situation as they have sunk tons of money into their new stadium and simply do not have the means or the desire to sign anyone to a deal that is going to tendered to the two-time Cy Young winner. They have three options. Trade Johan before the season begins (in my opinion, getting the most for your team). Wait till the trade deadline and get some good value but not near as much for an all-star with only half a year left on his contract and no guarantee of a long term deal. Or simply do nothing and enjoy the ticket sales until the year is up and hope something better comes along.

The Nay-sayers in Boston are going to be primarily focused on the loss of young left-handed Jon Lester. His story of battling cancer, returning, and playing a big part in their second World Series Trophy in four years will definitely be a hot topic in cooler conversations. Those who are extremely deep in knowledge of the organization will also be upset to see that there is going to be no play at trading away Julio "Last Out" Lugo, bringing up Jed Lowrie to do something along the lines of what Dustin Pedrioa did this year. Lastly, they would be upset if it’s Justin Masterson and not Michael Bowden. Justin has found big fans in both organization and Sox Nation as he screams up the farm system, pushing for the "Bigs".

BREAKING DOWN THE TRADE:

Minnesota lost their CF Torii Hunter to free agency, putting a hole in the line-up and an even bigger hole in their CF.

They made, in my opinion, a daring move (especially if they don’t get all they need out of a Santana deal) by trading away three young and promising players. Starting pitcher Matt Garza, who has shown great flare at the mound since his call-ups in 2007; SS Jason Bartlett who did well, showing speed and pop at the bat; And minor league RP Eduardo Morlan. In return, they upgraded 2B with Brandon, a relatively unknown OF Jason Pridie, and the gem of the deal, RF Delmon Young.

Young is the next big thing in baseball, especially showing sparks of being a "fantasy stud", voted second in rookie of the year ballots in 2007. Delmon brings speed and pop at the plate to replace Hunter and Harris brings some type of restitution to the fan base for departing with 2B Luis Castillo.

The Twins are now left short a centerfielder, a shortstop, and some much needed depth at pitching.

In steps the always opportunistic Theo Epstein, General Manager of the Boston Red Sox and demagogue of Red Sox Nation. The Red Sox are very smart about how they are attempting to lure Santana away from Minnesota. Take a look at how crafty the Sox organization has approached this trade.

The Red Sox are offering the services of …

• Coco Crisp in centerfield, who is a career .280 hitter with some pop at the bat and speed all-around.



• Jed Lowri, their top minor league shortstop in Jed Lowrie (who is making a name for himself across the minor league world)



• World Series starting pitcher Jon Lester (Southpaw), and either two pitching prospects in Justin Masterson (who I am big on) and Michael Bowden.

PIECES OF A PUZZLE

Now, if you ask me, the Red Sox have more and are willing to do more, but not much. When you consider that they are handing them a great fielder and with the exception to his stint with Boston, a very good hitter, Coco Crisp would be a welcome addition for his speed, fielding, hitting, and paycheck. Jon Lester is simply better than Matt Garza and Bartlett was on-again, off-again and could easily be replaced by Jed Lowrie. Add in Justin Masterson and you have yourself a stud in the barn.

If you are unsure about the Red Sox prospects, I shall glance over those who have recently departed from their system. SS Hanley Ramirez (FLA), 3B Freddie Sanchez (PIT), 1B Kevin Youkalis, 2B Dustin Pedroia, CP Jonathan Papelbon, SP Anibel Sanchez (FLA, pitched a no-hitter), C Kelly Shoppach (CLE), SP Jon Lester, and CF Jacoby Ellsbury. If you dare to look at their stats, you will find that these are a fine crop of players and are welcome to most, if not all pro sports teams.

The pieces fit the needs… CF, SS, SP (Crisp, Lowrie, Lester, and Masterson/Bowden).

Unless someone blows them away, in which the Red Sox could counter, this is the Sox' deal to lose... Heck, this might be a done deal by the time the winter meetings end.

Statistocrat