This.

Name the two pitchers who have gone 6 or more innings every start this year in MLB. Hint: one of them has done it 28 straight times.

Official Starts - Shields and Santana (of course Santana had the 1 start rained out prior to it becoming an official game)

Santana has played himself into

A) quite the trade chip and
B) a huge contract

Isn't there an option for his contract next year?

It will be interesting to see how Moore handles him come July.

If we're in the race, which it looks like we well could be, you have to keep him. We'll get draft compensation when he walks.

However, it wouldn't be the dumbest thing in the world to try to extend him. Wouldn't go crazy, but I'd probably offer.

We would have to make an offer to receive compensation if he leaves, right? (Paging Duncan)

I thought that was only if they are arbitration eligible (?)

This is definitely possible, I am unsure about the exact stipulations of the revised MLB rules on this issue.

I just noticed our next series is vs the Indians. Very crucial series there.

I remember all offseason discussing potential pitchers. I believe Duncan correctly assessed that Santana's fastball being a little low in speed was his problem. I do t recall the why but I am certainly glad it is fixed. If we do play our way into serious contention there is no way we can trade him. The chemistry on the pitching staff is excellent right now.

You have to make a "qualifying" offer, which is a contract of at least one year for at least a set amount based on average contracts of other FA pitchers or some such (kind of like the franchise tag).

If you don't make the offer, you don't get compensation for the pitcher. If no one signs the pitcher before the MLB drat, you don't get compensation.

I'd be hesitant to offer Santana a long-term deal because of his age, his tendency to have terrible years, and his heavy reliance on his slider. But he's been damn good for KC and the trade has worked out perfectly.

If they stay in it, you keep him. You will need him down the stretch and would like to line up Shields and Santana 1-2 in a potential playoff series.

What's crazy is that Santana's AVG FB velocity is up, but only slightly (0.2 MPH). I think the main difference is that his HR/FB rate was crazily high last year.

He's locating better and playing in front of a tremendous run-prevention defense. He does seem to be working in the change and two-seam fastball more, but not a HUGE change.

I miss the "next 5 games" in your sig. But since you've stopped listing them we've been on fire. Might be best not to mess with the good mojo

Well.... that's where the Omaha storm chasers are playing so I would hope so.