When K-Rod and his agent, Paul Kinzer, had dinner with the Mets on Sunday night, they were pleasantly surprised when the team executives got a call from Johan Santana, who had no idea they were meeting with Rodriguez. K-Rod, a fellow Venezuelan, idolizes Santana and was thrilled that he called. The Mets handed the phone to K-Rod and the two talked. In retrospect, it was a turning point as Santana expressed his excitement that K-Rod could be closing games for him. The Mets blew seven saves for Santana last season.Right...
If you're telling me that Santana just happened to call up Omar Minaya at the exact time they just happened to be having dinner with a fellow Venezuelan who just happens to idolize Santana, that's some nice luck and timing on the Mets side. Was Johan asking for Minaya's favorite cake recipe or how to get a gravy stain out of his favorite dress shirt? I don't think so.
What most likely really happened is that they told Santana it would be in the best interest of the team if he gave Minaya a ring around this time, just to chat of course. Well planned, everyone. Very smart and very sneaky. Whatever works.