Minnesota Twins should trade stars for Boston Red Sox's cheap youth  —  If I'm the Twins' general manager, here's what I do.  (And I'd do it under duress because I'd be working for a cheapskate owner.)  I get on the horn with Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and say, "You want Johan Santana, right?"

No worries as Rowand waits  —  Unlike Paul Konerko two years ago and Torii Hunter last week, Gold Glove center fielder Aaron Rowand isn't stressing over his free-agent status.  —  "I'm actually enjoying it," Rowand said Tuesday via phone from his home near Las Vegas.  "We'll know when the time is right.

Rival executives: Cubs are willing to trade Prior … Four years ago, Mark Prior had the kind of stature that Johan Santana has now, as the pitcher that everybody would love to have.  But now the Chicago Cubs have made it known that they are willing to trade the former All-Star pitcher, rival executives say.

Tom McCarthy rejoins Phillies broadcast team  —  Tom McCarthy, who spent the last two seasons as a play-by-play announcer for the New York Mets on WFAN, is returning to his roots as a member of the Phillies broadcasting team, Rob Brooks, Manager, Broadcasting announced today.

Wagner lays out challenges ahead  —  Veteran closer tackles offseason issues facing club  —  NEW YORK — Part of the Mets' introduction to Billy Wagner two years ago was a warning.  "I'm blunt," he told them.  And he suggested if candor were upsetting, the club might be better off looking elsewhere for a relief pitcher.

Kendall guaranteed $4.25 million for one year by Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE — Jason Kendall will be guaranteed $4.25 million under the one-year contract he and the Milwaukee Brewers intended to finalize Wednesday.  —  The Brewers reached a preliminary agreement last week with the catcher …

Mets release final schedule at Shea  —  Team will play six teams from '07 postseason in '08  —  NEW YORK — A postseason appearance, the objective of every big league team, will have the Mets playing at Shea Stadium in October next season.  Otherwise, their final game at the soon-to-turn 44-year-old ballpark will happen on Sept. 28.

Houston Astros  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Starr Witness  —  MLB FanHouse links to an interview with Larry Starr, long time trainer for the Reds and Marlins.  He's out of baseball now and coopertating with the Mitchell investigation, although he refuses to name names.  He was aware as early as 1984 that players were using steroids.

Mariners star Ichiro says he considered moving to Yankees  —  TOKYO (AFP) - Ichiro Suzuki said he considered moving to the New York Yankees before deciding — with his wife's encouragement — to stick with the underperforming Seattle Mariners.  —  "I had been wavering in my mind since early spring …