Omar Minaya just acquired the best pitcher in baseball. Johan Santana, without giving up the farm system’s best prospect. This is a way better deal then the deal that sent Dan Haren to the Diamondbacks. Obviously, Johan is going to cost the Mets $25 million a year, but estimates have pegged the value of Johan to the Mets at $40 million a year.
The Mets now feature a rotation with two Cy Young award winners, three other pitchers with 15 wins last year, and two pitchers with World Series rings. Assuming Pedro has a year similar to his few starts at the end of last year (which I expect he will) and Maine and Ollie have similar performances as last year, the Mets have the best rotation in the league, one which will finally be able to complement their productive offense and improved defense (at least in right, at catcher, and at second). With one swoop, the Mets have made themselves the most improved team in the league, the best team in the league, and the odds on favorite to win the World Series.
Update: WFAN’s two favorite idiots, Mike and the Mad Dog, have a great interview up with Johan.