Hank talks Santana - again

Hank Steinbrenner finally acknowledges that Johan Santana would cost a lot.

From Kat O'Brien at Newsday:

"The payroll would just be out of this world this year," Steinbrenner said of potentially adding Santana, "but only for this year. When you've got to trade top young talent and pay a lot of money, it gets very risky."

If the Yankees do complete a trade for Santana, Steinbrenner said they would not go beyond a five-year contract extension (one that expires after the 2013 season).

"I wouldn't do it if it were a six- or seven-year contract," Steinbrenner said. "I wouldn't go past five, on an extension."

For once, he's right. You shouldn't give a 28-year-old pitcher seven years. However, why did he need to say this publicly?

Steinbrenner also mentions that there is nothing new on the Santana front. For those playing along at home, the last offer for Santana was thought to be Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Jeff Marquez and a fourth prospect.