Morneau Inked To Long-Term Deal

In this edition of Twins Inside Pitch, the Yankees are still in the running for Johan Santana. Also, the Twins ink Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer to long-term deals, and Jose Mijares is out at least six months. All that and more:

Whether or not they end up with Johan Santana, the New York Yankees still appear to be a driving force in the Twins' attempt to trade their left-handed ace.

Nearly two months after determining that their smartest strategy was to trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner before he reaches free agency next November, the Twins remain hesitant to accept any of several packages of players in return. And the key to their eventual decision appears to be the Yankees.

"The door definitely isn't completely closed," Yankees executive vice president Hank Steinbrenner told the Star Tribune, words that likely heartened Minnesota's front office.

That's because the Yankees' desire to keep Santana from ending up in Boston -- or across town with the Mets -- is Minnesota's best chance to convince one of the three suitors to add one more sweetener to a potential trade. The Yankees have been reluctant to add right-hander Ian Kennedy to a package with right-hander Phil Hughes and center fielder Melky Cabrera; the Mets have balked at including teenage outfield prospect Francisco Martinez to their multi-player offer.

"At this point, I think it kind of looks like we probably won't do it, but that doesn't mean I don't want to," said Steinbrenner, son of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. "I'm kind of back and forth on it. ... It really comes down to if I want to do it, I can do it, but I want to try to keep everybody happy."

NOTES, QUOTES:

LF Jason Kubel's strong finish to the 2007 season helped earn him a raise of nearly $1 million for 2008. The 25-year-old outfielder, who batted .323 over the season's final 10 games to finish at .273, avoided arbitration in his first year of eligibility by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million.

RHP Juan Rincon, who posted a disappointing 5.13 ERA in 2007, signed a contract for $2,475,000, a raise from his $2 million salary a year ago.

1B Justin Morneau, who turned down a long-term contract offer before the 2007 season, signed a six-year extension with the team, as the Twins inked who could become the most prolific home run hitter in team history. The deal was the biggest in team history.

The Twins also wrapped up Michael Cuddyer to a three-year deal, including a club option for 2011.

Jose Mijares, who went 5-3 for Class AA New Britain last season before being promoted to Class AAA Rochester, will miss at least half of the 2008 season after fracturing his pitching elbow in a one-car accident in his native Venezuela on Jan. 12. Mijares, who was to join the Twins in major league camp this spring, had surgery after the accident and will require four to six months to recover. The Twins were told that Mijares apparently fell asleep while driving, and that alcohol was not involved.

LHP Randy Keisler has pitched for eight different organizations since being drafted in the second round by the Yankees in 1998. Despite owning a 6.63 earned-run average, the Twins have decided to become team No. 9, signing the free agent to a minor league contract and inviting him to spring training. Keisler, 32, who started 10 games for the Yankees in 2001 and has pitched in 55 major league games, will be a candidate for a long-relief spot in the Twins' bullpen.

OF Jon Knott, who has appeared in 19 games over three seasons with the Padres and Orioles, will be given a shot at earning the backup outfield spot occupied last season by Jason Tyner. Knott, signed as a free agent to a minor league contract, was invited to the Twins' major league camp this spring. The 29-year-old right-handed hitter is 6-for-31 (.194) in his career, with one home run.