Johan Santana Sweepstakes: Mets Ready to Deal?

It's official. Hank Steinbrenner is "leaning away from a trade for Santana." But, knowing Hank, this could change as quickly as the weather. As Ken Rosenthal reports,

"

 "Another source, however, says the Yankees no longer are talking to the Twins about Santana and simply chose to keep their outfield intact rather than sign Cameron. Hank Steinbrenner has been the Yankees' executive most adamant about landing Santana, but he seemingly has backed off in his most recent public comments."

"

Boston has also lowered their talks about landing Santana, so what's left? The "other" New York team.

The Mets.

Could it really be? Well, they do have the needed cash to sign him once he's theirs, but do they have the players needed to actually get him from the Twins? Let's find out:

It seems that the deal-breaker for the Twins has been the absence of Jose Reyes from the trade offer. However, David Lennon of Newsday says,

"

"Even now, the Mets are unsure if the Twins have moved off Reyes completely. They are under the impression that Smith still is deciding between developing prospects and players who can step into their lineup for the upcoming season."

"

If the Twins can ask for more prospects instead of Reyes, I don't see why this deal can't fall through in the next few days, do you?

The Mets have the money, players, and they are Santana's choice. He has said earlier that his preference would be the Mets. That works out great for the Twins, because they would be less likely to haunt the Twin's in future matchups.

There is no ideal situation for the Twins. You cannot trade the best pitcher in the MLB and get something equal in return.

They can just hope for what they need most, starting pitching.

With the departure of both Carlos Silva and Matt Garza, the Twin's pitching staff is extremely young, to say the least. Scott Baker, Boof Bonser, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins, Nick Blackburn and Francisco Liriano would be the main options for them.

The Twins cannnot really take any less than what's been offered to them for Santana. They want more, but aren't getting it right now. Joe Christiensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune puts it best:

"

"For now, this remains one big staring match. The Twins are waiting for some team to blink. In the end, it just might be the Mets." 

"