There are a few things to consider when talking about Johan Santana being traded to the Yankees. The structure of a potential deal between the Twins and Yankees would have Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and Austin Jackson going to Minnesota for Johan.
First, let's be honest here. Johan is the most dominant regular season pitcher in the league since Pedro still had his shoulder attached. This guy just does not lose. He's also pitched well in the playoffs. Can he go up against Beckett in a big postseason game and come out on top? Absolutely. He is one of the more dominant pitchers in recent years and can be counted on 35 times per season and in October. He is also a lefty in Yankee stadium. Not a bad combo.
Phil Hughes has been the gem of the Yankees system since the minute he arrived. He has been looked after by every member of the organization before he joined the rotation in May. When he went down with a hamstring injury you have to wonder whether some front office people were okay with it because he would be able to rest his arm for a few months. Before Joba surfaces Hughes was the darling of the system. Which of them has shown he can start games for the Yankees? Hughes. Which one is deemed untouchable? Joba. Why this is the case I still have not seen.
Melky Cabrera has solidified his place as the starting CF for the Yankees. He too is a product of the Yankees system although not touted as highly as the pitchers. Cabrera has an above average arm with decent range. At the plate he is becoming more selective but still takes his hacks as many youngsters do. He does not hit for much power and is a solid back of the order hitter. Will he ever hit like Bernie? Probably not. Can he be a serviceable CF in the league for the next 10 years? Absolutely.
Now for Austin Jackson. Who? Jackson is a 20 year old OF in the Yankees system who is behind Jose Tabata in potential but probably closer to playing for the Yankees due to his age and experience. He is a highly touted prospect who projects as a starting outfielder by 2009 or 2010. He is a bit like Alfonso Soriano, if you ask me.
So the question is this: Do you make this deal if you are the Yankees? The answer may surprise you. First lets address the fact that the Yankees should not trade Melky and Austin together in this deal. If you include Melky you need to keep your top OF prospect and try and give up something else instead. No to Hughes. Look, I love this kid as much as any Yankees fan. He has the makeup to be successful and the stuff to get guys out. He has the ability to be a very good major league player. Will he be as good as Johan Santana? If I had to guess I'd say no. If the Yankees have the chance to get Johan Santana and have to give up Hughes and Melky and someone to do so, I think they have to make the deal. You cannot hold onto a prospect because he projects to be great. In this case I think you have to go with the guy who has a 70% winning percentage, a 3.22 career ERA (in the AL), and strikes out over 200 guys a season. Then I think they sign Andruw Jones to a one year deal. Although Boras and the Yankees might not be on good terms right now (thank god).
Should be an interesting few weeks. For what it's worth I think the Mets will overpay for Johan.
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