This Might Help

[love_that_reefer]

This might help shed some light on the Santana trade.

People who know say the Twins' only window for acquiring starting pitcher Phil Hughes from the New York Yankees in a trade for Johan Santana lasted less than two days, and that was in December.

I imagine the Red Sox did the same for Ellsbury.

[Kingdom]

Twins also have to realize they weren't the only ones to deal an ace rather cheaply, persay. Oakland gave up Haren... and I know Haren's not a lefty and not the #1 guy in the league, but he's signed to a ridiculously low contract.

But ya know both teams have such a good track record for developing people, who knows right?

[henks]

I've read a couple of different times that Bill Smith executed this trade full knowing what he was getting for the best pitcher in baseball. The trade was made to "ensure" a competitive team was on the field when the new stadium opens. The Twins are always known for trading away great talent for a bunch of no names. Knoblauch in '01, Pierzynski a few years later, Hunter and Johan this year. But they have always seemed to be competitive, so hopefully that trend will continue.

[love_that_reefer]

Pierzynski got the Twins Nathan, Liriano and Bonzer.

[henks]

Exactly. At that time, no one really knew who they were. Nathan became one of the top closers in the league, Liriano was just plain ridiculous, and Bonzer is decent at best. I'm not complaining about that trade at all.

[love_that_reefer]

I agree about Liriano and Bonzer but Nathan was a good setup man for the Giants. He just had a bad postseason so the Giants sent him off. I hate you Sabean!!