Time for Johan Santana Sweepstakes to Commence in Earnest

The blogoshpere's following of Johan Santana's future home has only just begun. The superstar lefthander has reportedly rejected a five-year contract extension from the Minnesota Twins, who will pay the pitcher $13.1 million next year in the last year of his expiring deal.

From Buster Olney's ESPN.com blog today:

"Rival general managers say that in recent days, Minnesota's Bill Smith is quietly gauging the market for left-hander Johan Santana, determining what deals he might have, in the aftermath of the report that Santana turned down a five-year, $93 million offer from the Twins. The Mets will be among the most aggressive teams in any Santana bidding.

"We have yet to receive those same indications from other teams, but I believe it's only a matter of time before the game is abuzz with serious Santana trade speculation, especially heading into the winter meetings."

Photo of Johan Santana by REUTERS/Eric Miller /Landov

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, writes that the Red Sox could be players for Santana but won't be willing to give up both Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz and certainly not Jacoby Ellsbury.

yardbarker.com checks in with early comments suggesting the Red Sox and Mets could be frontrunners.

The New York Yankees don't appear willing to give up Joba Chamberlain, Ian Kennedy, or Phillip Hughes either, owner Hank Steinbrenner has said. But the Yankees can never be counted out when a big-name picture, let alone a two-time Cy Young winner, is available.

Mets General Manager Omar Minaya has stated that 'nobody is untouchable' and that he is willing to trade his top prospects in return for a front line starting pitcher.

The Dodgers and Angels could be players but that is predicated on if they acquire Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada.

As always with these burgeoning soap operas, stay tuned. Santana in the Bronx remains a distinct possibility especially if Andy Pettitte calls it a career.