Hughes Thrown in the Pot For Santana

The Yankees have decided to offer up Phil Hughes for Santana. The deal would also include Melkey Cabrera and probably between 20 - 25 million dollars a year. If a decision doesn't come later today from the Twins the Yankees have threatened to pull the offer. As much as I would hate to see Phil Hughes go, aside from the boat load of cash that we would be paying for Santana it would be a pretty good deal for both sides. Santana is a two time Cy Young winner, and that was with the Twins. Imagine how lights out he could be if he had a solid defense and run support to help him out! Hughes has already had two injuries since he was called up earlier this year. I don't think that is indicative of his future, but his fastball never seemed to break the low 90s after he came back from the sprained ankle. Really though I am just trying to justify losing Hughes. I think that he is going to be an ace no matter where he plays. In fact he may shine even brighter for a smaller market team. It will be a shame to lose him, but if you have an opportunity to get the best pitcher in the game while he is still in his prime then you have to make some sacrifices. Santana is a known commodity, and while I think eventually Hughes will be a number 1 starter, he still has some things left to prove.

It seems as though we are seeing a lot of the same from the Stienbrenner sons in terms of spending. However they are not subscribing, or at least haven't yet subscribed, to the old Stienbrenner philosophy of selling the farm to acquire old veterans past their prime. The Santana deal is a must for the the organization, regardless of if Pettitte returns or not. Without Santana the rotation only has one sure fire ace, Wang. For all of the hype Kennedy is still unproven and it remains to be seen if Chamberlin can be as effective as a starter as he was as a set up man. Including Santana as the number 1 starter ensures that the rookies have some time to settle into their roles as a starting pitcher, while also taking some of the pressure off Wang. Should Pettitte return I wouldn't be surprised if the rotation looked like this:

Santana
Pettitte **
Wang
Kennedy
Mussina

With both Pettitte and Santana I think you keep Chamberlin right where he is until the inevitable collapse of Mussina. Although it may be difficult to switch from a set up role to a starter mid season if anyone can do it I think Chamberlin can.

Not to be conceded here, but if we do get Santana I would like to point out that I have been saying he would be in New York next year for months. But until I can officially pat myself on the back we will just have to wait and see.

**After posting I just found out that Pettitte will return next season. YES!!!