Well the meetings are over, and Santana is still a Twin.

Can't say I am too broke up about that, but they still haven't taken care of the other things they need to worry about, namely at CF and 3B at least, and many a SS.

I love having Johan, but I don't think they end up signing so they need to get the best deal they can get, so maybe that is why Smith is holding out a bit. We'll see. I would love for the Angels or Dodgers (and their nice prospects) to get involved. Not only to keep him off the east coast, but because I think the packages might be better.

However, they need to make a move to get a leadoff CF and a decent 3B. And quick. I heard Morgan Ensberg might be let go. I would like that move for the Twins.

That said, I don't think the Twins are contending anytime soon after that Tigers deal. What an incredible team they are putting together. What a lineup. What a rotation. Not to mention, they had already re-signed Kenny Rogers and acquired Edgar Renteria. Ouch, they're tough, and Cleveland won the division last year and looks to be just as good coming back.

So, if they can get something really good for Johan, I say do it. If they keep, OK I guess, It will be fun to watch him in a Twins uniform again.

I will say that a pitcher isn't worth that kind of money. They only play once a week. If they could get a decent pitcher (like Philip Hughes back) who might win almost as many games, and get other pieces you do it.

And I don't want Lester. Not that I dont like him, but I dont' see him as a top of the rotation guy. I would rather have Hughes, Buchholz, or Ellsbury if it came to that.

(Brian Hall is the Sports Editor for the Jordan Independent and Shakopee Valley News, and can be reached at bhall@swpub.com.)

Props to the Twins new GM for not giving in to Boston or the Yanks.

I'd like to trade Santana, but we were not getting enough in return during the winter meetings.

Perhaps, the desperate Mets will cave and give us Reyes and a prospect or two. I'm holding out hope for that.