So, the Winter Meetings have come and gone, a new year has begun and now we're two and a half weeks away from pitchers and catchers. Are we as Mets fans two and half weeks closer to seeing Johan Santana suited up in royal blue and orange though? Last week, I blogged a bit (and got a nice little response in my view; thanks to all who read it) on Johan possibly coming to Queens, and the prevailing thought at the time was that it was very likely. Ryan Church, Aaron Heilman, Kevin Mulvey or Philip Humber and Deolis Guerra, were said to be going to Minnesota for Santana. That's what was said anyway. This week, I've discovered that Fernando Martinez has  (that viewpoint has been altered over and over again) to be in the deal; and that within 10 days, Johan will..... I repeat WILL be traded. And get this: The Mets are still the frontrunners!

At this point, I'm a bit skeptical about it all. I mean, I would love to have Johan Santana at the front of the Mets' rotation come Opening Day. It'll be different to see someone other than either Tom Glavine ('07) or Pedro Martinez ('05 and '06) start Opening Day for the Amazins; nevertheless is it worth all the headache reading contradicting source after contradicting source? Who really knows what's going on between Bill Smith, Minnesota GM, Theo Epstein, The Bosses Steinbrenner + Cashman and Omar Minaya? Will the credible source please stand up and tell me what in the world is going on in these trade talks; and give me a definitive answer as to where this guy is actually going to pitch in 2008?

If the Mets are just pawns in all this, just let Minaya know so we can go ahead and sign Livan Hernandez. While that's probably a move that costs us a championship in '08, at least we'll still have a farm system! I swear if this deal is made, the Mets may as well have open tryouts for the New Orleans Zephyrs! I want you to know, I'll be first in line because if the Mets prospects are as overrated as they say, anyone....including me could make their squad. Just think, that team actually competed last year for the PCL Championship last summer. Go figure. Anyway, I have to give credit to the Matt Cerrone and his guys at Metsblog.com and Tim Dierkes at mlbtraderumors.com. They keep me sane with all the Johan talk and their opinions and sources are great; but I think they're getting a bit overwhelmed with all the drama too.

So, my head is getting dizzy, Mr. Bill Smith, Minnesota Twins GM. Quit creating all the 'spin' and deal Johan somewhere! If he ends up in Flushing, great. If not, trade him somewhere so you can finally get your boatload of prospects, because that's all he'll bring you in return. Philip Hughes and Ian Kennedy are apparently out of the question as is Jacoby Ellsbury, and Jon Lester. Either way, I just want some baseball to be played....with or without Johan. Let's go Mets!