Thursday’s Bits: Jason Lane at First?

Let’s get right into the good stuff.

• Mike Puma of the Daily News is reporting that the Yankees may have an interest in Jason Lane (non-tendered by San Diego) for 1B, even with Giambi, Duncan and Betemit vying for playing time. I don’t get this at all. Lane, who can’t really hit and is typically an OF (with more starts in RF), is believed to be a “quick study” at 1B (as stated by Puma). He’s play 4 games at first during his entire career (3 in 04 and 1 in 06) but he seems solid defensively (at least in the OF). Maybe the Yankees are worried about Duncan after that blood clot.
• The Daily News (Peter Botte) is also further validating my suspicions pertaining to Hank Steinbrenner. They too seem to believe that he is almost ready to walk away from the Santana deal completely, allowing the Yanks to keep Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and a gaggle of young prospects. That’s probably for the best, especially since the other NY team (no, not the NY Liberty) really wants him, needs him, and is close to getting him (sort of).
• Congress is postponing their congressional hearing on steroid use, the Mitchell Report, and PED’s in baseball. Apparently, they’re doing this, in part, to investigate Roger Clemens’ claims that he has never used steroids before. Let me be the first to say (sarcasm), what a complete waste of time and money, but then again, it’s our government, so who’s really surprised here? Also, Andy Pettitte’s (if he appears before the group) will be a key witness in relation to Roger Clemens’ case. Murray Chass has a good read on this potentially awkward moment between friends.
• And, last but certainly not least, our old friend Goose Gossage (the 25th Yankee to be inducted into the HOF) says that if steroids were big in baseball when he played, then he too might have been tempted to use them (actually, he states that he would be very tempted to use them). At least he’s honest. Maybe what he really meant to say got lost in that amazing moustache. Who knows.

And there you have it folks. From Jason Lane, to Goose Gossage.

Hank Speaks (Again), Twins Worried About Melky

 

Earlier in the day I stated that Hank Steinbrenner maybe attempting to backtrack on Johan Santana, and finally end the maddening pursuit for the left-handed ace. Now, a report by Pete Caldera seems to add to this theory.

According to the majority opinion of his players, the team doesn’t need to make a blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Twins to put them over the top.

“Nobody would say that we don’t want Santana, but, yeah, they’re pretty darn confident in what we can do this year [as is],” Steinbrenner said during a phone conversation Tuesday.

First he said, well, you know I have to appease the others in the organization (even if I am the so-called bottom line in terms of decisions). Then he said, well, my brother Hal told me if we trade for Santana we’d have a pretty high payroll. Then, in order to further distance himself from a Santana trade, Hank said that he would not offer more than 5 years to Santana in any possible extension (which is still very reasonable).

You’re finally starting to hear something from Hank Steinbrenner that you haven’t really heard much of, so far (even if he’s still talking excessively). Suddenly, instead of all-out posturing, we’re hearing restraint and apprehension in regards to this potential trade, which is a far cry from his earlier “I’ll trade you, you, and you” rhetoric.

Phil Hughes and Melky Cabrera must be extremely happy.

Speaking of Melky, according to Minnesota’s Star Tribune, the Twins are worried about trading for him and think that he may end up being over-matched in Minnesota.

They wonder if center fielder Melky Cabrera would struggle when taken out of the Yankees lineup. He’d probably be pitched to differently, which could cause him to struggle.

I can see why the Twins would be worried. They need a solid CF after losing Hunter to the Angels. Melky’s numbers weren’t too impressive last year, although he went into the season unsure as to what his role would be and he seemed to play that way when he finally got some AB’s early on (after injuries forced him into the lineup). I actually think Melky will be productive next year now, especially now that he has a clearly defined role. However, the Twins have the right to think this way when they’re trying to trade a proven commodity.

The same article states that the Mets are leading the pack (right now) for Santana’s services, and could very well have him if they offer up Fernando Martinez (in a package that already consists of Humber, Mulvey, Gomez, and Deolis Guerra).

Why not just pull the trigger? Yes, Martinez is a top prospect, but the Mets need Santana more than most. You’re already emptying the farm by trading away Guerra, Mulvey, Humber, and Gomez, so why not just do the deal and embrace the guy you’re getting (who would simply dominate in your league).

**PROPS to RAB for INFO.