After months of teases and rumors, it appears the Johan Santana saga has finally been resolved. Reports say Santana is on his way to the New York Mets, pending a six or seven year contract extension. The Mets reportedly dealt four prospects, most notable outfielder Carlos Gomez, to Minnesota in exchange for the dominant lefty.

It had appeared to be a foregone conclusion that Santana was on his way to the Red Sox or Yankees, so this news comes as a bit of a surprise. But after Hank Steinbrenner and the Yanks flip-flopped their way out of negotiations, the Red Sox clearly lost the ability to fight for the best pitcher in the game, which left the Mets. And suddenly, that Mets rotation goes from “questionable” to pretty formidable. Johan, Pedro (if healthy), John Maine, Oliver Perez and El Duque? Not bad, not bad at all.

While I don’t claim to be an authority on the Mets’ minor league affiliates, doesn’t this deal pale in comparison to the ones offered by Boston and the Yankees? Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Jon Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury were included in earlier proposals by the AL East powerhouses. Hell, the Mets’ offer doesn’t even include Fernando Martinez, the top prospect in their system. And Phil Humber, the top pitcher in the deal, is just a year removed from Tommy John Surgery.

What’s this do for the league’s balance of power? Probably very little. While this move might make the Mets the class of the National League East, they’re still a well behind the American League powers. And while the Twins have a great reputation for developing young players, it’s safe to say their offseason waiting game bit them in the ass this time.