ELLSBURY INCLUDED IN SATANA DEAL

ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that the Red Sox have decided to include rookie centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury in a package that could potentially land top starting pitcher Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins. While no deal has been announced, Minnesota has been holding out for Ellsbury or pitching prospect Clay Buchholz.

Olney goes on to report that Boston's concession of including Ellsbury means starting pitcher Jon Lester is being taken out of the trade offer. While the exact package was not identified it is expected that Ellsbury, infield prospect Jed Lowrie and pitching prospects Michael Bowden or Justin Masterson is the likely offer being made by Boston. Both teams front office executives are currently in Nashville for the start of the Winter Meetings.

The Yankees are still reportedly offereing a package of rookie starting pitcher Phil Hughes, centerfielder Melky Cabrera and a second tier prospect. The latest offer from Boston is expected to place the Red Sox in the lead to obtain Santana. If successful, Boston would still have to successfully negotiate a contract extension with Santana, who is expected to be in the market for a six year contract at $20 to $25 million per season. If they do that the Red Sox starting rotation for the 2008 regular season is expected to be Josh beckett, Santana, Dice-K Matsuzaka, Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield. That staff would be bolstered by Lester and Buchholz waiting in the wings.