Not So Fast ...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Couple more hours, couple more denials.

Bill Smith just told reporters that moving Basak off the roster had nothing to do with a pending trade, that it’s a move that’s been in the works for a week. Basak apparently signed a major-league contract last week and then cleared waivers, so the Twins could move him without losing him. Smith said Basak knew when he signed what the Twins planned, so the timing – smack in the middle of trade talks – was just a coincidence.

Of course, the Twins obviously knew a week ago that if they traded Santana, they would need extra roster space for the package of players who came back. So it might fall a bit short of coincidence.

Meanwhile, Angels GM told reporters in the lobby a few minutes ago that not only has he not made an offer for Santana, he hasn’t even talked to the Twins. So the Red Sox are apparently still the front-runners.

-- Phil Miller