Johan Santana Talkin' Tough?

Last month we speculated on the future of Johan Santana, hoping he will become a career Twin. Now he's addressing the matter.

From "Santana eager to negotiate new deal with Twins" at ESPN.com:

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Despite the fact the he won't be a free agent until after the 2008 season, Johan Santana says that the Minnesota Twins should try to sign him to a long-term extension sooner rather than later.

"If Minnesota wants to keep me, the earlier the better for a contract negotiation," Santana told ESPNdeportes.com. "The closer I get to free agency the more difficult it will be."

...Santana will make $12.2 million this season, the third of a four-year, $39.7 million deal he signed with the Twins in February 2005.

"I'm happy the way things have gone in Minnesota and I'd like to stay here for a long time, but if I do opt for free agency, my agent will be the one in charge of the next contract," said Santana. "I'm not really concerned with the specifics of what we'd ask for right now, because I've still got two years left with the Twins … but after that, whatever has to happen will happen."

If Barry Zito is worth $126 million, how much do you think Santana should make? Especially since locking in pre-free agency players is all the rage now (except for, ahem, Ryan Howard), I'm confident reigning Executive of the Year Terry Ryan will get this done.