Killswitch

Although the Winter Meetings are over, the New York Mets are still looking for an ace pitcher. The New York Post reports the Mets are still (somewhat) active in pursuing Twins ace Johan Santana. "There was a sense among rival executives that the Mets had made themselves viable. "

“There is a sense that Omar [Minaya] will do something crazy to solve his biggest problem," one AL executive said.

"So for the Mets, there must be strengths in numbers. One executive said he thinks Aaron Heilman could be an important piece in a package. He noted the Twins drafted Heilman in the first round in 2000 (Heilman decided to stay in school), and Minnesota plans to follow up any Santana trade with one involving Joe Nathan, who like Santana due to be a free agent after the season. Heilman could be a possible closer replacement for Nathan."

What it seems it will come down to is whether the Mets will put a large package of their top guys together. The Mets don't want to deal Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez in the same package. The other players include RHP Mike Pelfrey, RHP Phil Humber and RHP Ken Mulvey. Of course, they may be trying to put together a three-team trade.

So for Mets fans, you have to hope the Twins MUST trade Johan before the season and Boston refuses to up their offer. I still doubt the Mets have any real shot at landing the ace.

__________________