Assuming our two deals are still on the table (and the latest information is that the Metropolitans, not us, have the inside track), then this commentator says we have to do everything we can to get Johan Santana.The other side will argue that, after our second World Series Championship in four years, parting with a core of young talent is folly. I understand that position. And, frankly, all things being equal, I might agree with that logic. The problem is, all things are not equal.
As good as Jacoby Ellsbury appears to be (and he is my favorite of the young crop) it says here you give him up in a heartbeat for a 29-year old Cy Young winner. No contest. You do the deal. In the next five years, the Red Sox will probably draft around 100 players. Odds are one of them will be as good or better than Ellsbury. And don't worry about parting with other prospects (shy of Lester or Buchholz) because with Santana (along with Beckett, Dice-K, Schilling, Lester, Wakefield and Buchholz) you have the ingredients to dominate the AL East for the next five years. You also keep Johan away from "They-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named". Put a price tag on that puppy!
Speaking of price tags, the other "downside" people throw in the way of a deal is the long-term contract you'd have to give Santana. Last time I checked, none of us in the Nation are transferring our personal assets to players—that's John Henry's job. If he has it (and God knows he does), who cares if he's a few billion light when he ultimately sells the team? And don't give me any "you'll see it in your ticket prices" baloney. Like I don't see it now—without Sanatana in the fold? How much more can a Loge Box cost? Trust me, with or without Johan, the NOG will fleece us for every dime they can. It's what they do.
So, Theo, if you are still in the running, do the deal.
