When we at Sportable found out that the waiting game was over and that Santana had been traded, we were overwhelmed with excitement.  Don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself.  Here’s our celebration

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.

When teams first entered the lottery for a possible shot at trading for Johan Santana, it made my mind ponder the various pitching rotations that could go from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ with Santana’s acquisition. As this off-season has worn on and most marquee players have landed in new destinations, Santana still belongs to the Twins. Santana isn’t special; he’s just another player in baseball. The thing about Johan, however, is that when he wakes up and yawns, he yawns excellence. When he puts his pants on, he does it to the tune of two Cy Young awards. The Twins know this.

Any leverage that the Twins had in dealing Johan slowly lowers as the days pass. They aren’t trading the best pitcher in the game. Why do that? Why shoot your season in the foot before you even get started? The Red Sox offer remains on the table as does the Yankees and Mets. Don’t let Hank Steinbrenner fool you with deadlines and reports of pulling deals off the table; he’s awful at bluffing.

So where does this leave us? It’s doubtful any of these teams is going to cave in and take their offer over the top; nobody’s done it to this point so why fold now. So forget any notions that Santana will be throwing the first pitch at Fenway or Shea or Yankee Stadium this season. It’s not going to happen.