Tuesday Hot Stove

While the Yankees have admitted to talks with the Twins about Johan Santana, they are clearly not the only team involved. Across town though, the Mets have said they will not part with Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, or David Wright to land the masterful left-hander. Reyes and Wright we can understand, but Beltran? If they were able to unload his contract it would probably be one of the best things they could do. Source

The Yankees meantime have reached out to free agent reliever David Riske. Though he has had moments of "very goodness", the prospect of signing him doesn't make us do cartwheels. The Brewers have reportedly already made an offer. Source

Meanwhile Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune believes that the Twins may not be able to get full value for Santana, for a number of reasons.

Santana, yes, but for only one season, only about 34 starts. That, plus the exclusive right to pay him that bulky contract extension.

His value isn't what it was after 2006. By his enormous standards, he had a substandard 2007 season, going 15-13 with a 3.33 ERA. He gave up 33 home runs, nine more than his previous career high, and scouts have mentioned subtle warning signs, such as his reluctance to throw his slider.

In any Santana trade, the Twins might want an established star, such as Robinson Cano or Jose Reyes, along with multiple prospects. But that is a pipe dream.

The game has changed. Teams are far more reluctant to part with young, established stars.

And for all his credentials, Santana isn't even the most coveted player on the trade market. That would be Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

Asked which one would bring the bigger return, one National League scout said Cabrera, adding, "it's not even a discussion."

While Torii Hunter was passing his physical Monday, the Angels continued in their discussions with the Marlins about Miguel Cabrera. But apparently the talks have hit a snag due to a disagreement on which players would be involved in any trade. The Marlins would like a pair of the Angels young pitchers, but the Halos are reluctant to part with them. Source

Royals GM Drayton Moore is denying a report that his team is close to bringing in Jose Guillen. Moore said that the Orioles and at least one other team are still making a strong push for the Mariners right fielder. Source

Padres reliever Doug Brocail is on the verge of signing a free agent deal with the Houston Astros. Brocail had previously pitched for the Astros from 1995-1996. Source

The Boston Globe is reporting that talks have intensified between the Twins and Red Sox about centerfielder Coco Crisp. Source

Yorvit Torrealba is getting closer to returning to the Rockies after a near-miss with the Mets. Source