Bodog Beat

Johan Santana has no preference of where he wants to pitch in 2008. (AI Wire photo)

Every winter big-name baseball players demand to be traded to major markets where they have a chance to play in the postseason. Johan Santana insists that’s not the case, according to his agent.

Santana, who seems to be headed to either the Yankees or Red Sox, apparently didn’t like a news report that said he would only accept a trade to one of those two American League East powers. In fact, if you’re willing to believe a baseball agent, the two-time Cy Young winner would be happy to return to Minnesota for the final season of his contract.

His agent, Peter Greenberg, said Santana wants the Twins to “make the best deal possible”. Santana does have a no-trade clause, however, and you can bet he’d exercise it if the Kansas City Royals suddenly got into the bidding.

A trade is likely to be hammered out this week while the annual winter meetings are taking place in Nashville.

The latest reports have said the Yankees are offering hard-throwing pitching prospect Phil Hughes and centerfielder Melky Cabrera in their package. The Red Sox have reportedly countered with a package that will include one of their top prospects: lefthanded starter Jon Lester, fireballer Clay Buchholz or speedy outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

Whoever gets him will significantly tilt the World Series odds in their favor. The champion Red Sox are at 5/1 odds, as are the Yankees. The Twins are 25/1.

Santana is scheduled to make $13.25 million in 2008. He can become a free agent at the end of next season and is going to command Barry Zito like bucks, which were $126 mil over seven years.

Why wait for the new year? Get 2008 World Series odds now.