Teams are standing in line for Johan Santana

Johan Santana (36), who tried to make a combeack with the Orioles last year but faltered thanks to a torn left Achilles tendon, is followed by at least six teams.

Santana pitched two perfect innings last Tuesday in a Venezuelan Winter League game in which he only needed 17 pitches.

The last four seasons Santana was bugged by several shoulder injuries for which he needed two shoulder surgeries.

The teams that are reportedly interested in Santana are Milwaukee, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Texas, Minnesota  and the New York Yankees (of course).

The rotation of the Yankees is still questionable. Tanaka and Sabathia are on the comeback trail from an injury. Ivan Nova is still rehabbing and is expected to return mid-season. So a healthy Johan Santana may be a welcome addition to their rotation. The question is on what conditions?  An incentive laden Minor League contract or a Major League contract?

A pitcher who hasn’t pitched in the past two seasons is a risk. The last season that lefty pitched in the Majors was in 2012, when he had a 6-9 record with a 4.85 ERA and two complete game shutouts over 21 starts.

In my humble opinion the Yankees would be wise to sign  him  (if he keeps putting up the numbers like he did last Tuesday) to an incentive laden Minor League contract. If he lives up to the expectations he can earn some extras, if not it won’t cost the Yankees a lot of extra money.

Mr. Cashman, if you want my advice, you know where to find me. 😉