Johan Santana Trade Updates

The New York Mets have recently pulled to the front of the pack for Johan Santana, but there has been news of an impending deal for Livian Hernandez to join up with his brother Orlando at Mets. If this were to be done, it could mean the Mets pulling out of the race for Santana, since their Plan B was to be Livian Hernandez or Kyle Lohse.

However, ESPN threw this deal in doubt as well when Jerry Crasnick mentioned that Kyle Lohse would be their preferred Plan B option rather than Livian. Of course, until anything has been set in stone, that can change anytime.

Roger Clemens Does A McGwire And B-12

It could be the steroid that have bloated his body but shrunk his brain, but Roger Clemens seems to be attempting a McGwire. In an interview with 60 Minutes soon to be released, Clemens claimed that he never took steroids and was only injected with lidocaine and the vitamin B-12.

Except that Canseco was there before, telling the world in his book "Juiced" how B-12 was the common term for steroids amongst professional baseball players.

Interestingly, Canseco also wrote about his theory on McGwire's androstenedione scandal, which he thought could have been set up by Mark himself. Or Clemens could be trying to emulate Barry Bonds. We shall see when he has to testify under oath before Congress on Jan 16, if he does a "I never knowingly took steroids".

It is not so much that players are taking performance enhancing drugs, but how they seem to be hiding from the fact. I do not think there will be a day when steroids can be stamped out from sports, as long as money is involved. Sports is a business, and in business, it is ultimately about money and everyone wants to make more, without that, most would not take it up as a career. Simple as that.

Jose Canseco Back In The Limelight

I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere as yet, but Jose Canseco, the man who first put baseball's steroid issue into the forefront with his book "Juiced", will soon be releasing his followup.

Appropriately titled "Vindicated", the book will build on the revelations from the Mitchell Report and subsequent fan and public opinion of the players named and baseball's drug problem. Jose Canseco highlighted this on a recent episode of HDNet's Inside MMA on which he appeared to talk about a new reality TV show he was producing. The show will pit him and a team of professional sportsmen outside of MMA (mixed martial arts), against a team of MMA stars.

Canseco spoke briefly on the steroid issue on Inside MMA. He reiterated his opinion (first mentioned in "Juice") that while steroids definitely gave a person size and some advantage in strength and speed, but if not used in conjunction with proper training and natural talent, it would not provide any significant advantage over other players. He stated that during his time, many players had already been using (as proven by the Mitchell Report), but just as many did not become superstars as a result. Several of the players named in the Report also gave credibility to his argument.

It will be interesting to read the book once released. While not having the best of image as a result of his straight talking, Canseco does speak a lot of truths. Unfortunately, they are usually only understood when things have gone too far.

Bonds A Strong Possibility For A's

Susan Slusser has a piece on Oakland's interest in signing Barry Bonds for '08. Given Billy Beane's recent assertion that the A's wanted to win in '08, this might be a strong possibility. Slusser also spoke to a Major League exec who indicated this was a deal waiting to happen.

More Activity From Nationals

The Washington Nationals today signed Aaron Boone to a one-year, $1 mil contract with incentives. Boone was with the Marlins for 2007 and went .286/.388/.423.

Willy Mo Pena also received a $2 mil extension, with a mutual option for '09.

Additionally, Ryan Langerhans has also been re-signed on a minor league deal.

Willis To Be Flipped To Mets?

From Adam Rubin, the Tigers might have to spin Dontrelle Willis to the Mets (or any other team). Apparently the Marlins insisted that Detroit take both Cabrera and Willis, which the Tigers willing took on despite knowing their payroll could not accomodate both players.

Inside sources in the Mets are looking at this possible scenario and would be willing to speak to the Tigers. There has also been talk of Ivan Rodriguez included in the mix but I don't really see that happening since the Tigers exercised their option on him.

Giants Looking For Yankees' Matsui

Bryan Hoch reported that the Giants have inquired about Hideki Matsui's availability, in a bid to boost their offense. Despite the veteran outfielder's full no-trade clause, Hoch implied that the Yankees might consider any possible trade if it improves their pitching - a primary objective of the team this off-season.

Hoch suggested Noah Lowry as a potential target for the Yanks in any deal with the Giants, who would fit in the middle rotation to beef up a still unknown innings totals from the trio of youngsters Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy.