Twins Have Overplayed Their Hand

According to Charley Walters in the Pioneer Press, Smith is "not panicking while holding out for the best deal," however offers from the Yankees and Red Sox are "diminishing by the week," as both teams appear to be growing more and more comfortable that neither rival is serious about acquiring Santana and both appear content to watch Johan go and pitch for the Mets. That prospect surely bugs the Yanks more than the Sox, but not enough to force their hand and do something stupid. Phil Hughes is off the table, Clay Buchholz was never on the table, and thus the best offer for Santana now appears to belong to the Mets - an offer that Walters writes will not include top-prospect Fernando Martinez. Ouch. At this point, it all amounts to a waiting game, and sooner or later Smith is going to have to take a deep breath and pull the trigger. We feel for you, Billy, we really do.