Defensive Indifference

Here’s your latest non-update on the Johan Santana sweepstakes courtesy of Hank “Yes, I’m Enjoying My Time in the Spotlight, Thank You Very Much” Steinbrenner and the New York Daily News:

“I think the Twins realize our offer is the best one,” Steinbrenner said Wednesday in a telephone interview. “I feel confident they’re not going to trade him before checking with us one last time and I think they think we’ve already made the best offer.”

Steinbrenner said the offer “does not include two of the three young pitchers” - Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, from a group that also includes untouchable Joba Chamberlain - “but it’s still the best one. And let’s face it, we’re the best able to handle the kind of contract (extension) Santana will be after.”

Two things. First, if we’re to believe the reports, the Yankees don’t, in fact, have the best offer on the table. That would belong to the Red Sox, who have offered one of their top three prospects (Ellsbury or Lester) and something other than a wildly overrated corner outfielder (Jed Lowrie), who only looks like a real center fielder (Melky Cabrera) because he’s not a fossilized Arthur lookalike (Bernie Williams) and he doesn’t throw like a girl (Johnny Damon).

Second, Steinbrenner is, once again, guilty of tampering, albeit in much more blatant fashion this time around. Pointing out, indirectly, to Santana, that you can “handle” his contract extension the way he likes hit hurts the Twins bargaining position and indeed hurts any other team hoping to acquire Santana and sign him to an extension. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hank heard from the league office soon about his latest squawkfest with the New York media. Immediately thereafter, expect more insufferable whining from Yankee fans who legitimately believe MLB is out to get their beloved team.