Monday, December 3, 2007
ESPN - Stark: Yankees might pull out of Santana talks for good
With the Yankee’s self-imposed deadline approaching, the Twins and Yankees were getting nowhere Monday night in their attempt to complete a deal for Johan Santana. So the Yankees were again making noises that they might pull out of the Santana talks for good.
“I want to get it done by tonight, one way or another,” Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said, according to The Associated Press. “I’m waiting for a meeting in Nashville, and then Brian will give me a call.”
According to baseball officials who were aware of the talks, the Twins again asked the Yankees on Monday night for pitcher Ian Kennedy—a pitcher the Yankees have insisted for several days that they wouldn’t trade—as the third player in their proposed deal. The Yankees apparently turned down that proposal immediately.
The Yankees have held firm since Friday that if pitcher Phil Hughes and outfielder Melky Cabrera were part of their offer, the third player heading for Minnesota would have to be a second-tier prospect. So the highly regarded Kennedy headed a list of “untouchables” that included Joba Chamberlain, pitcher Alan Horne and outfielders Austin Jackson and Jose Tabata.
But the Twins also haven’t budged since Friday. They wanted Kennedy then, and they still do. So unless one side or the other gives, it now appears a trade that once appeared inevitable could blow up for good.
And if Alex Rodriguez opts out, the Yankees will not pursue him.
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