I think that was the idea. It wasn't enough that petrified GOPe dolts like Dole told him to get out, but the next day the grey suits completed the exacta by promoting Rubio as VP.
It's all in the script, but the latter bit of gamesmanship must have really yanked Santorum by the short hairs, because all things being equal, he had a historical argument for the first ask.
I think Santorum will walk his comments back and Romney will offer him the VP slot.