The Boston Globe thinks so:
Here's the skinny on a possible deal for Johan Santana. The Red Sox would break from their philosophy of not giving out long-term deals for Santana. They'd prefer fewer than the seven years agent Peter Greenberg is seeking but will go there for one of the top two or three pitchers. Since the winter meetings, nothing has changed with Boston's offer, but after the New Year things are expected to get down to the nitty-gritty, when Minnesota will expect the Yankees and Red Sox to give their final "best offer." The Sox are still offering Coco Crisp, Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, and Jed Lowrie. If the Yankees don't include Ian Kennedy, the Red Sox will land him. As to the growing theory that Josh Beckett would be bent out of shape over Santana earning twice as much, forget it. Beckett signed the contract and knew what he was doing.
The article also notes that one reason the Sox love Santana is that the Twins have been very careful not to abuse him. His pitch counts have been kept low (which presumably bodes for a long and healthy career).
And it says Seattle is on it for both Santana and Bedard.
I want Santana, but giving up Kennedy, Hughes, and Melky for him is too much. OTOH, I really don't want the Sox to get him. Do they even need him? I can't believe they're really willing to pay that much. I can't help but suspect that they are just trying to drive up the price for the Yankees.
In brighter news, the Green Bay Packers went down in flames today, which means Dallas clinches home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Yay! Dallas won't have to go to the Frozen Tundra. Though I have to think that eventually, Brett Favre is going to win one at Texas Stadium. Hopefully not this year...
