Johan Santana
Johan Santana's contract expires after the '08 season. He has stated that he wants to stay with the Twins, but the question is how much of a discount will he give? He was quoted saying that he wants to stay in Minnesota for a while, but even he knows that time is running out for that re-signing; "I'm in no hurry. At the same time, I think the sooner the better -- and the cheaper it will be." Santana was also quoted saying that wanted a contract at least as long as Barry Zito's eight year deal with San Francisco.
He is making $13 million this year, and $13.25 million next year. After that, it's still being debated. Some people think he will receive $20 million a year after '08. Others say he will be the first $200 million pitcher.
The Twins had a no 'in-season negotiation' policy, but will ignore that for Santana, as they continue to negotiate with him.
Santana's current contract is a complex one. He receives a $100,000 bonus for every World Series MVP or Cy Young Award he gets. He gets a $50,000 bonus for every Gold Glove, AL MVP, League Championship Series MVP, or if he is 2nd in the Cy Young voting. He also gets a $25,000 bonus for every All-Star selection, 2nd in AL MVP, or 3rd in Cy Young voting.
He had a limited no-trade-clause (can decline trades) as well. In '05 he could block trades to 3 teams, 8 in '06, 10 in '07, and 12 in '08. He received a full no-trade-clause because he was in the top 3 in the Cy Young voting in either the '06 or '07 seasons. In '09 he can receive a full no-trade-clause if he gets a top 3 Cy Young vote in '08.
Complex or not, his name has been circulating, and teams are interested. Here's one of them:
Mets:
This may just be a rumor started by Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, but it's plausible. Previous to 6/19 I wouldn't think that Santana (with a full no-trade clause this year, and likely one next year) would want to go to a NL team, where he would have to bat. But after the game of 6/19 against the Mets, where Santana belted a double, I've changed my mind.
So will GM Terry Ryan resign him before his value goes up, or wait until it's at the peak and trade him? Only time will tell.
He is making $13 million this year, and $13.25 million next year. After that, it's still being debated. Some people think he will receive $20 million a year after '08. Others say he will be the first $200 million pitcher.
The Twins had a no 'in-season negotiation' policy, but will ignore that for Santana, as they continue to negotiate with him.
Santana's current contract is a complex one. He receives a $100,000 bonus for every World Series MVP or Cy Young Award he gets. He gets a $50,000 bonus for every Gold Glove, AL MVP, League Championship Series MVP, or if he is 2nd in the Cy Young voting. He also gets a $25,000 bonus for every All-Star selection, 2nd in AL MVP, or 3rd in Cy Young voting.
He had a limited no-trade-clause (can decline trades) as well. In '05 he could block trades to 3 teams, 8 in '06, 10 in '07, and 12 in '08. He received a full no-trade-clause because he was in the top 3 in the Cy Young voting in either the '06 or '07 seasons. In '09 he can receive a full no-trade-clause if he gets a top 3 Cy Young vote in '08.
Complex or not, his name has been circulating, and teams are interested. Here's one of them:
Mets:
This may just be a rumor started by Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, but it's plausible. Previous to 6/19 I wouldn't think that Santana (with a full no-trade clause this year, and likely one next year) would want to go to a NL team, where he would have to bat. But after the game of 6/19 against the Mets, where Santana belted a double, I've changed my mind.
So will GM Terry Ryan resign him before his value goes up, or wait until it's at the peak and trade him? Only time will tell.
______________________________________
Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter's contract is up after the '07 season, so if the Twins are out of the playoff race, they'll look to sell him somewhere, to prevent him from just walking out. However, this won't even be thought of happening until the Twins are at least 10 games out with the end of the season coming soon.
Torii says that his heart lies in Minnesota, so an offer that is somewhat competitive might keep him here. Torii would have to ignore many more juicer offers from other ball clubs.
Texas Rangers:
With many players coming off of the team in '08, the Rangers will be looking for more pop in their lineup, not to mention defense. With $6 million from Gagne, $6 million from Lofton, $4.35 million from Wilkerson, $2.4 million from Sosa, and $1.2 million from Mahay. Subtracted from the escalating salaries, they should gain about $13 million. (Also, if A-Rod leaves New York, the Rangers will save an additional $27 million. If they wanted Hunter, they definitely have the funds.
Boston Red Sox:
The Red Sox could defenitely go for Hunter, (it's not like they don't have the money needed) but they have a hot prospect, Jacoby Ellsbury, who seems ready to come up. It would be an odd situation for him to be blocked out of a job for four or five years.
Other notable seekers:
Yankees, Cardinals
Torii says that his heart lies in Minnesota, so an offer that is somewhat competitive might keep him here. Torii would have to ignore many more juicer offers from other ball clubs.
Texas Rangers:
With many players coming off of the team in '08, the Rangers will be looking for more pop in their lineup, not to mention defense. With $6 million from Gagne, $6 million from Lofton, $4.35 million from Wilkerson, $2.4 million from Sosa, and $1.2 million from Mahay. Subtracted from the escalating salaries, they should gain about $13 million. (Also, if A-Rod leaves New York, the Rangers will save an additional $27 million. If they wanted Hunter, they definitely have the funds.
Boston Red Sox:
The Red Sox could defenitely go for Hunter, (it's not like they don't have the money needed) but they have a hot prospect, Jacoby Ellsbury, who seems ready to come up. It would be an odd situation for him to be blocked out of a job for four or five years.
Other notable seekers:
Yankees, Cardinals
Teams with openings:
Twins, Phillies, Astros, Athletics, White Sox, Braves, Marlins, Cardinals, Rangers, Pirates, Padres, and Reds.
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Luis Castillo
Castillo's contract is up after the '07 season. He is currently making $5.75 million. Many people doubt he will return, as the Twins have young Alexi Casilla all ready for his departure.
Teams interested:
New York Mets:
Castillo has long been connected with the Mets, and almost signed with them three years ago before the Marlins gave him a better offer. Even during his stint with the Marlins, the Mets almost traded for him.
Teams interested:
New York Mets:
Castillo has long been connected with the Mets, and almost signed with them three years ago before the Marlins gave him a better offer. Even during his stint with the Marlins, the Mets almost traded for him.
Tori Praver
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Keep them all and reap the profits when the stadium opens in 2010. Don't be cheap like every other MN franchise!
KCMAC929
Minneapolis, MN
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It would only be possible to keep them all if Carl Pohlad died, and his son gave the Twins more money to work with. (Which might happen, since Pohad is 90 something years old.)
Andersklasen
Sioux Falls , SD
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Minnesota still has a team?
The TRUTH
Someplacein, OH
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