Twins Players Prefer Hughes-Melky for Santana?

From La Velle E. Neal III (Star Tribune):

The Twins would like a package from the Yankees that includes righthander Phil Hughes and outfielder Melky Cabrera — an option that some Twins players quietly prefer.

What’s that about and who are these players? I still don’t want this trade to happen, but at least the players in Minnesota understand that a package of Hughes and Cabrera is a lot better than the Lester packages that the Boston Red Sox are offering.

Bedard Headed to Seattle?

From SI.com:

The Mariners and Orioles are in serious discussions on a blockbuster deal that would send left-hander Erik Bedard to Seattle for a package of young players, including top outfield prospect Adam Jones.

There are signs the deal is getting closer — such as Jones telling reporters that he’s headed to Baltimore for a physical — but late word Sunday night is there’s still some internal debate in Baltimore over the deal. Club owner Peter Angelos is famous for nixing deals involving his best players.

Mariners GM Bill Bavasisaid by phone Sunday night that it was not a done deal. “We’re not there yet,” Bavasi said. “I can’t tell you anything.”

Sources told SI.com that Jones (.314 with 25 homers at Triple-A Tacoma), reliever George Sherrill (2-0, 2.36 with Seattle), a strikeout artist who could bolster Baltimore’s injury-ravaged bullpen, and minor-league pitcher Chris Tillman (6-7, 5.26 at Class-A High Desert), are among players who have been prominently mentioned in trade talks. Catcher Jeff Clement(.275 with 20 homers also at Tacoma) was discussed at one point, but it’s believed the Mariners will hold onto him. A second pitcher could also accompany Bedard to Seattle in a possible four-for-two trade.

If the Orioles do complete the Bedard trade, word is they would likely then send All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts(.290, 12 HR, 57 RBIs, 50 SBs) to the Chicago Cubs for prospects, possibly outfielder Felix Pie and pitcher Sean Gallagher. Pie batted .362 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs at Triple-A Iowa but hit just .215 in 177 at-bats with the Cubs in 2007.

However, the Roberts deal appears to be waiting on completion of the Bedard deal.

The Orioles should pull the trigger on these deals. They would have a tremendous group of young players who are not only cheap and affordable, but major league ready (e.g. Jones, Pie, etc.). If they can get Clement in the Bedard deal, they’d be even better. They’re essentially rebuilding and have no shot at the playoffs this year, so why not just trade away the few superstars that you have and prepare for the future.

This makes sense for the Mariners as well. The addition of Erik Bedard would create a very formidable 1-2 punch (with Felix Hernandez), leaving Miguel Batista, Jarrod Washburn, and Carlos Silva as their 3-4 and 5 guys.

Believe it or not, but this effects the Yankees. If the Red Sox are as dominant as they were last season and lead the AL East, the Yankees would be left with the WC slot as their only way into the postseason. The Mariners, with Bedard and Hernandez at the top of their rotation, could really fight the Yankees for that spot.

Another Toy for Torre

In an attempt to strengthen their bullpen (versus lefties), the Dodgers have extended a non-roster invitation to Mike Myers (who actually pitched better against righties in 2007).

It’ll be interesting to see how the Dodger bullpen shakes out with Joe at the helm. He’ll have a ton of reliable relievers to call upon so it’ll be a different experience for him.

Santana Trade in 10 Days?

From Charley Walters (Pioneer Press):

The Twins, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees are not holding up the proposed trade of Twins pitcher Johan Santana. It’s Santana, who is seeking $150 million over six years.

Santana has the right, by way of a no-trade contract clause, to veto any deal with a team that won’t pay him what he wants.

A trade is expected to occur within 10 days, though.

It’s almost over folks. Hang in there.