I recently interviewed Aaron Gleeman. Gleeman is the co-founder and operator of The Hardball Times. His blog AaronGleeman.com has received over three million hits since it began in August 2002, and he is also a contributing baseball writer for Rotoworld and NBC Sports. In 2006, Gleeman was featured in a short profile in Sports Illustrated.

Gleeman is a Twins fan, so I asked for his take on the Johan Santana trade rumors.

Anthony De Rosa : Do you believe the Mets have enough to offer the Twins in return for Santana? If they were add in John Maine along with Carlos Gomez or Lastings Milledge and one of Kevin Mulvey, Philip Humber, or Mike Pelfrey, would that do the trick?

Aaron Gleeman : Sure, the Mets have enough to get Santana. Most teams probably have enough, if they make everyone available. With that said, I think the Twins would be making a mistake to get a package centering around Humber or Pelfrey, because they’re far from sure things as impact guys.

I’d ask for two of Milledge, Martinez, and Gomez, and then try to get Pelfrey, Humber, or Mulvey in as the third piece. A lot depends on what other teams come to the table with, obviously, but the Mets definitely have enough desirable young players to get something done.

Anthony : What positions are the Twins looking to upgrade by trading Santana? I would suspect CF, 2B and another pitcher would be targeted.

Aaron : I can’t say for sure what they’re targeting, but what they should be targeting is impact bats at whatever position they can get them at. Center field, second base, and third base are the main spots to target, but they could use a corner outfielder or designated hitter.

Basically, they need hitters. I’m sure they’d also try to get a top-notch pitching prospect in return for Santana, but they don’t really need more young pitching.

Anthony : As a Twins fan, are you angry with management for not giving Santana a ‘Zito-like’ offer, which seems to be what he is seeking? This seems like a discount from what Santana would ultimately receive on the open market. Are the Twins that cash strapped that they are unable to offer him such a deal?

Aaron : If Santana truly asked for $126 million and the Twins didn’t jump at it, then it’s a pretty strong sign that they don’t plan to retain him. That’s a clear discount for Santana given that Zito got that money last offseason, so if the Twins don’t think that’s doable then nothing will be.

Anthony : What is your assessment of the Oakland A’s? Do you believe they are in rebuilding mode and will look to move Haren?

Aaron : I think the A’s are always willing to be in “rebuilding mode” if Beane thinks that’ll make them better long term. Toss in his recent statements about potentially blowing the current core of the team up and it wouldn’t shock me to see Haren get dealt. I’d try to deal Blanton and Harden first, though.

Anthony : Do they Twins have any prospects that they will look to promote in the event that they are indeed in rebuilding mode? Who are the top prospects in the Twins system?

Aaron : The Twins don’t really have any MLB-ready hitting prospects of note. Their best pitching prospects are Glen Perkins, Jeff Manship, Anthony Swarzak, Tyler Robertson, and Eduardo Morlan. But none of those guys are elite, A+ prospects.

Anthony : Lastly, what team do you think has the best chance at getting Santana and what package would be the most realistic for them to offer and the Twins would accept?

Aaron : I’d say the Yankees probably have the best chance, in terms of money and young players to potentially deal. But there are at least 4-5 teams that seem to be in the running, including the Mets obviously.

I got the sense from Aaron that the Twins are more inclined to trade for offense than pitching, which I think puts the Mets in a better position to make a decent offer. I would highly consider what Aaron suggested which is two of Milledge, Martinez, and Gomez, and then try to get Pelfrey, Humber, or Mulvey in as the third piece. If thats agreeable, I say get it done.