Angels could make run at Santana  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  The Angels' trade for Jon Garland and signing of Torii Hunter both were stunners.  The acquisition of Johan Santana would qualify as an even bigger surprise.  —  The team's payroll currently is $123 million, according to a club source.

A's willing to deal Haren  —  Oakland All-Star joins Santana on trade market  —  Johan Santana has company on the trade market.  According to league sources, the A's, within the past couple days, have begun calling teams to seek interest in star pitcher Dan Haren, one of the better right-handers in the American League.

It's Not About Money in Pettitte Wait  —  Seven weeks after Andy Pettitte's season ended with the Yankees, he is no closer to deciding if he will return and pitch for them again next season.  Tom Pettitte, Andy's father, said yesterday that Pettitte has not determined if he will retire …

Jorge Posada wants Yankees to trade for Johan Santana  —  Jorge Posada has a very simple wish this holiday season: Johan Santana in pinstripes.  —  Posada, whose four-year, $52.4 million deal, agreed to more than two weeks ago, was finally announced yesterday, made it clear during …

Sox, Twins make some pitches  —  Santana talks are starting to heat up  —  Two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana went 15-13 with 235 strikeouts for the Twins last season.  (FILE/TONY DEJAK/Associated Press)  —  Though Jon Lester expressed a desire to remain with the Red Sox …

Mets GM says he won't trade Reyes  —  NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets need pitching and they'd love to land Johan Santana.  Not enough to trade star shortstop Jose Reyes, though.  —  "Jose Reyes is one of our core players," general manager Omar Minaya said Thursday.

Mariners among Santana pursuers  —  Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana is one of several players the Mariners have inquired about heading into next week's baseball winter meetings.  —  Multiple sources in Minnesota and elsewhere in baseball indicated Thursday that the Mariners have already spoken with the Twins about their top pitcher.

Hot stove philosophies align regardless of payroll  —  Not too long ago, Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane could count on his peers to make him look smart.  An entire book was written about Beane's brilliance at attacking market inefficiencies while his brethren waltzed with tradition …

Astros set to sign 2B Kaz Matsui  —  Barring some unforeseen developments, the Astros will sign free-agent second baseman Kazuo Matsui, a person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed to the Chron-icle.  —  The Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, his current team, also have coveted Matsui.

Report: Astros beat Cubs to Matsui  —  Did the Houston Astros steal a free agent away from the Cubs or save the Cubs from themselves?  —  That question apparently will be answered over the next three years.  The Astros reportedly have agreed with free-agent second baseman Kaz Matsui on a three-year contract worth $15 million.