The man they call...Johan

The BoSox are talking with the Twins about acquiring left-handed pitcher/stud Johan Santana. Anyone who knows baseball, knows this 29 year old guy is sick, filthy, dominant good.

I love what I'm hearing about what Theo is willing to give up, and more importantly, what he's NOT willing to give up: Everyone here in New England loves, adores, John Lester, the young, LHP we currently have who battled cancer for a year, only to make a triumphant comeback and get the win in the World Championship clincher. But, at best, he will only be a number 2 starter in my view. So, while I love the kids heart, the kid's cojones, he's expendable.

The other big-name pitcher talked about, Clay Buchholtz, threw a no-hitter and showed how dominant the young right-hander could be in every appearance he made in the majors. His hard 12-6 curveball is the type of pitch that major league hitters can know is coming, and will still get struck out on. In my book, while a young, semi-unproven pitcher, he is not touchable/available.

The young center fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury, who came up for a couple cups of coffee during the season (who had his first major league hit at the Fens with me in attendance), and became the starting center-fielder by the time the World Series wrapped up, is a solid player. Perhaps a star in the making. He has such speed/wheels he scored from second base on a passed ball at one point this year. While, he hit and got on base at the level we expected, it's fair to say he to is largely unproven. However, this organization has shown consistently the ability to evaluate their own position players in the minors. For example:

1. Hanley Ramirez, the highly-touted prospect who went to the Marlins in the Josh Beckett deal has become a young, stud, power-hitting, base-stealing shortstop.
2. Kevin Youkilis, played a minor role while getting some cups of coffee during the season and post-season in 2004. Now, he's a solid hitter with good pop, and an on-base machine. Oh yeah, and he's a gold glove first baseman.
3. Dustin Pedroia, the pint-sized second baseman. He won the Rookie of the Year award this year after starting a month hitting just over .100, ending up batting over .300, proving his discipline in the batters box by getting on base as well. Not to mention making some fantastic defensive plays all year. Oh yeah, and knocking in 10 RBI's during the playoffs with a cracked bone in his hand.

-So, Ellsbury is untouchable. The kid is electric.

The other principles (along with Lester) in this reported/proposed deal include: Crisp (the center-fielder who lost his job to Ellsbury). A minor league shortstop prospect who could be good, and another young starting pitcher.

I'm willing to deal one of Buchholtz, or Ellsbury to get the man they call: Johan. But, not both in the same deal. More importantly, however, I FLAT-OUT refuse to give Johan the deal that may be required to extend his contract.

Johan is reportedly asking for $20-$25 million per year and at least 6 years. No WAY. Pitchers can blow thier arm out at the drop of a hat. Johan is young, he'll be 29 starting next season, but you don't sign pitchers to that kind of a deal. EVER! The BoSox have won 2 Championships in 3 seasons. We don't NEED Santana. And if we hold onto Lester and Buchholtz, along with our current starting pitchers, we can still be THE team to beat for a good 5 years.

Theo will hold the line on the contract, as I believe this "deal" will be done or crushed into oblivion. My prediction: The MFY (Mother-Fucking Yankees) will cave into Minnesota and Johans' agent demands, and will sign Johan to a ridiculous deal, while giving up a ton of talent to get him. Which, I am more than okay with.