Mets would "love" to trade Santana

According to Nick Cafrado of the Boston Globe, the Mets would "love" to trade Johan Santana before his contract ends after the 2013 season, and hope that his value rises by the time the trade deadline comes around. Supposedly the Mets would help pay for the $31 million that is owed to Santana in 2013, and Cafrado believes that could be a good fifth starter for a contending team. 

Last year we all just thought that if Santana could manage to stay healthy during the 2012 season, then there was a good chance that he would be traded. However, after the no-hitter, things went south and he eventually was placed on the disabled list for the final two months of the season. The Mets aren't getting any bites on him right now, and it is obvious that his health history is scaring off several teams. 

I am totally for trading Santana at the deadline if/when his value is higher, and I realize that now is not the time to trade him. His value is dead at the moment, and the Mets wouldn't get anything special in terms of prospects even if they ate most of the contract.

I just really hope that Santana has a strong season in 2013, and I truly believe that he is going to because it is his contract year. If he finds success, then we can talk about all the trade rumors come summer time, but for now, his roster spot is safe in my mind. 

Mets bring back Quintanilla on a minors deal

The Mets have signed infielder Omar Quintanilla to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Quintanilla signed a minors deal with the Mets last off-season, and hit .257 in 70 at-bats with the club in 2012 before being shipped to the Orioles on July 20. 

I honestly didn't think Quintanilla was going to impact the team at all last year, but he ended up getting playing time through injuries and lack of depth. He honestly wasn't that bad during his time here, so I am not against bringing him back. He is about an average-about average defender as a shortstop, and should serve as a decent backup to Ruben Tejada if he makes the club. I guess this means that the team is not bringing back Ronny Cedeno, who apparently is seeking a starting job elsewhere.