FanHouse

Earlier today, Matt Watson wrote about a blockbuster deal that's reportedly very close between the Twins and Rays. The Twins would acquire the bat-tossing megatalent Delmon Young in exchange for starting pitcher Matt Garza. What would this trade, if consummated, mean for the ongoing trade talks involving Johan Santana?

On the one hand, Young puts the Twins in position to contend next year. Slot him in the middle of a lineup with Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer and Michael Cuddyer and you've got a lineup that's as good or better than this year's 79-win edition. If Francisco Liriano can come back and make an impact, they've got an outstanding top of the rotation and, assuming he isn't dealt, Joe Nathan to close out games. That's a solid core that, with a little tweaking, would contend for the playoffs.

On the other hand, the Twins could view Young, Mauer and Liriano as the base for a cheaper rebuilding effort. If this deal comes to fruition, the Twins would also be getting centerfield prospect Jason Pridie, who tore up AAA this season. Pridie's never played in the majors before but the Twins did pick him in the 2006 Rule V draft, and sent him back to Tampa, so they clearly see something they like in him.

Even if Pridie isn't their opening day centerfielder, his acquisition would change the entire tenor of the Santana discussions. That would lessen their need to get back Melky Cabrera or Jacoby Ellsbury in a Santana trade and allow them to force the issue for pitching prospects like Taylor Clay Buchholz, Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. Any of that group would replace Garza, maybe even improve on him, and the team still needs help on the infield apart from Morneau. That could lead them to a discussion with the Angels, say, about Brandon Wood Webb and Howie Kendrick or anywhere else that brings them a player that they covet.

New General Manager Bill Smith looks like he's made a bold first move as the man in charge. Whichever choice he makes with Santana will be a bold one as well.