Nathan to Papelbon: Save It

Dominant closer Jonathon Papelbon's well publicized dispute with the Red Sox over his 2008 salary hasn't yielded much sympathy from fellow 9th inning wonder, Joe Nathan.

“(Papelbon) is still a little young to be worried about that,” said Twins closer Joe Nathan. “He’s coming into his third year of closing. He’s got some time before he has to worry about the young guys behind him.

“(Papelbon) is a young guy right now. I think it’s more important for us to set the bar for him at this stage of the game.”

Them is fighting words.

Remember Nathan is a unique example of humility as he has never attempted to cash in on his talents and instead valued stability by signing a two year deal in 2003 [worth $2.5 million] and a then another two year deal in 2005 [worth $10 million].

Garza for Young Deal Done

The deal involving Matt Garza and Delmon Young has officially been finalized.

This is probably the first domino to fall, with the second being a Joe Nathan deal and the third being the Johan Santana blockbuster.

Not sure if this means Phil Hughes is more or less likely to be included in any deal, but something tells me Brian Cashman may offer multiple very good prospects to make up for the exclusion of one great prospect (Hughes).

At least I hope so. Guys like McCutchen, Melancon, Sanchez, etc. are valuable lower level guys who the Twins may covet more than we know. I think adding Kennedy and Horne in Hughes place would be tough, but necessary in the end.

There are literally tens of combinations both teams will contemplate, but which one matches each team's desires is something nobody will know until it happens. Seems like Santana really wants to pitch in New York and for the Yankees, however, so that has to fall in the Yankees favor in some capacity.

* Meanwhile, Troy Percival is another option for the Yankees, along with Riske, Mahay, etc.