Johan Santana back with the Minnesota Twins? It's not that far fetched.
GM Terry Ryan said so Sunday, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Just don't expect to see for former staff ace in top form come opening day.
Santana, twice a Cy Young winner, hasn't pitched since an aborted 2012 season with the New York Mets. He is recovering from the second of two shoulder surgeries and, the Pioneer Press reports, won't be ready until midseason.
It has been a long, slow recovery for Santana, who turns 35 in mid-March.
Ryan told fans at the Twins' winter fan event the team and Santana's handlers are in contact.
"We've had some dialogue with his representation," Ryan said. "He's not quite ready to make a decision yet, but we're keeping an eye on him down there. Obviously it would be a good fit for both of us."
Santana bombed out with the Mets, who trade four young players to get him and then locked him into a six-year, $137.5 million contract. Because of his shoulder injuries the Mets bought him out in the offseason.