Haren wouldn't cost all that much less than Santana. Given the choice between the two, Santana is the pick, every time.
I think this is an outstanding deal for the Yanks. Cabrera is a good third OF, Hughes is going to be great and the minor-leaguer (be it Jackson or Horne) are definitely not deal-breakers.
I think the Yanks make out like bandits. Santana is putting together a HOF resume. This isn't just some "older" player. I can't believe some Yankee fans wouldn't do this deal.
Well they're not making out like bandits I think it's a good trade
Here are my reasons why
1. Since Guidry we haven't had easily the best pitcher in the league in my opinion. Santana is an amazing pitcher and he is only 28 and could likely get another 10 years under his belt.
2. Yes he could get hurt, but so could A-Rod, and not many people mentioned that when the Yanks and Alex were negotiating a deal.
3. Besides, I don't know the stats but compare how well 28 year old 2 time CY Young Winners have fared for the rest of their career vs. 21 year old very good prospects. Im guessing the success rate for Santana's rate is much higher.
4. Also, we have plenty of good prospects in the system to step up for Melky, and finding an outfielder of his type in free agency is not entirely difficult. Finding a caliber of Santana's type really is.
5. Finally those comparing Kerry Wood and Mark Prior's injuries with what could happen to Santana....not really a fair comparison at this point as Santana has pitched much longer and much more consistenly then the two Cubs players had at the time of their first injuries.
6. Yes, technically it is a risk. But the Twins are taking a risk as well...what happens if Hughes were to be mediocre (which I highly doubt), and Santana were to win 3 more Cy Youngs with New York and end his career with 250-300 wins.
7. Gone are the days where ace pitchers are readily available. I can see most of them getting wrapped up by their current teams (like Peavy), and the ones who do hit the market could easily take a Matsuzaka like approach to free agency.
------------------------------------------------
Also, you should see the nyyfans forum, there have already been 5 threads in the last 2 days on this, all with over 3,000 posts. People are panicking about the prospect of trading Hughes and a lot of people are starting petitions:lollol: