Hank still yapping about Santana

by John Amato on Jan 3, 2008 1:01 PM EST in New York Yankees News

Heeee's back and still talking about Johan Santana:

After what he described as a "slow holiday season" for baseball business, Hank Steinbrenner is returning to his office Thursday to begin working on "a final decision" regarding a trade for Johan Santana. And he believes the Yankees have made the top offer for the Minnesota ace.

"I think the Twins realize our offer is the best one," Steinbrenner said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "I feel confident they're not going to trade him before checking with us one last time and I think they think we've already made the best offer."

Steinbrenner said the offer "does not include two of the three young pitchers" - Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, from a group that also includes untouchable Joba Chamberlain - "but it's still the best one. And let's face it, we're the best able to handle the kind of contract (extension) Santana will be after."

He not only speaks for the Yanks, but the Twins as well. Cashman must be getting very, very tired of his routine already. I know many fans are split on Johan even though I'd like to get him...I'm sick of talking about this trade one way or the other. Either put up or shut up King Hank.

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Comments

Hank is a jackass

but I must admit that I do see his pissing off Cashtard as a major, major silver lining here. Hopefully he leaves for greener pastures.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jan 3, 2008 1:05 PM EST reply actions

Hank is a jackass but maybe not an idiot...

If we end up getting Johan Santana at the price the Yankees have offered, you've got to say that his bigmouht will not have hurt the team as much as most of us would have thought. After all he also got A-Rod at as good a price as anyone could have hoped for.

A major thing he has going for him is that he has not actually moved on price with A-Rod or the Twins so his credibility in negotiating has only been hurt as regards deadline, not price. Ultimatelly in any big negotiation a deadline is flexible but the price is the key issue.

If he starts to move on price that will however cost the Yankees a lot in years going forward because any final bid will no longer be seen as final

I'd like to point out that I'm not commenting on whether the prices for A-Rod or Santana are ok or not, just on the negotiation tactic and whether it has hurt the team so far

by TLVP on Jan 3, 2008 1:30 PM EST reply actions

Hank's jabbering doesn't bother me so long as

it doesn't scotch a deal. I'd like to know what package the Yanks are putting out there now for JS? Anybody know?

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Jan 3, 2008 1:34 PM EST reply actions

Rumor has it

that the current package is Hughes, Melky, Marquez and an additional prospect not named Horne....or "Hughes and Crap" for short.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jan 3, 2008 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

If they can get him for that,

great. I think the Sox's package is more competitive than Hank makes it, though. Lowrie could tip the scales.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Jan 3, 2008 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

Unless Buckholtz

is part of the Boston deal, then Boston gets another steal...

by John Amato on Jan 3, 2008 6:40 PM EST reply actions

Bucholz will NOT be part of the deal

Gammons was at the Globe talking about how great Lester is going to be.

I like Gammons. And I have more confidence in Lester than most because I think he showed signs of getting stronger (with better velocity and control) at the end of the season. But I have to say, Peter is seldom correct.

However, Peter is often well-connected to the conventional wisdom in the trade.

Expect the Twins to take Lester instead of Hughes (assuming that Hughes is still available -- as Yammerin' Hank implies, probably to the chagrin of Cashman)

by Frank Malzone on Jan 3, 2008 9:29 PM EST reply actions

I just don't get it?

Who in their right mind could think Lester is a better pitcher than Hughes?

"You play the game to win the game, and not to worry about what's on the back of the baseball card at the end of the year." - Paul O'Neill

by yankee come lately on Jan 4, 2008 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

As A Sox Fan, I Like Hank

I can't say he'd be my friend if I knew him. But I can say one thing for sure. Hey, the guy's entertaining. I'm not sure he's trying to be, but this is is hilarious.

Ethan Michaels
http://modernrooters.blogspot.com/

by EthanMichaels on Jan 4, 2008 3:31 AM EST reply actions

At this point ...

I'm content to take my chances with the Trinity+Pettite, Wang. Mussina is done, and I wouldn't count on him for much--if anything. If we move one of the three, Hughes is my pick, along with Melky for Santana. I just don't see it happening.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Jan 4, 2008 9:47 AM EST reply actions

I think I disagree

in regards to Mussina, he had a pretty damn good 2006 & we saw flashes of the Mussina of the past in June and September last year. I think he begins the year better than the league average and flames out and looses his spot when he gets fatigued or injured, which is a good thing when you consider the pitch count issues with the young guys. He can then be used as a spot starter and long reliever after the all-star break. Although he is in decline, Mussina is still an asset.

by TomG on Jan 4, 2008 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

You disagree but ...

The numbers don't lie. At his age you can't look back to 2006, and 2007 was abysmal. In 152 innings, he surrendered 188 hits, and enjoyed a career-high whip of 1.46. Oh, and let's not fail to mention his 5.15 era.

I contend that had Mike not enjoyed astounding run support, he might have lost 18 games. He is not an arm that can be counted on--even in long relief. Frankly, in terms of confidence, I put him on par with Kei Igawa. He is not an asset at this point in his career.

I would consider changing my mind if he adopted a coaching attitude and helped some of the young guys. I've read and heard that he's not especially warm to them.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Jan 4, 2008 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

Lester v. Hughes

Hughes in the end will probably be a better player than Lester, but not by a whole lot. Lester was considered one of the top pitchers in the minors before his cancer and now he is back at full strength he can really show what he's worth. Again, not better Hughes, but still a good player.

by ricky4 on Jan 5, 2008 9:55 PM EST reply actions