Johan Santana To Make First Spring Training Start Since Surgery

Sports News - March 4th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

Mets fan have been eagerly awaiting the return of their ace pitcher Johan Santana. On Thursday the pitcher got through his final stage before returning to the mound for a game.

Santana threw two practice innings without incident, and looks to the next task of throwing in a spring training game. The start is slated for next Tuesday against the Houston Astros.

"It felt really good because I had all the mechanics and everything working, so to have guys actually swinging a bat in a situation where I was throwing all my pitches like in a game, it was good," Santana remarked of his pitching. "I don't feel anything in my arm, so that's a good sign."

Santana walked one batter in the two innings, but remained in good control throughout. When Josh Thole entered the batters box, Santana threw a couple sliders past him, which gave the pitcher confidence. Thole is known to be a contact hitter.

"They didn't know what was coming, so it was good to see that action in my slider going down," Santana remarked. "I threw one (change up) to Barajas where he swung and missed, and that's the thing they want to see."

The Cy-Young winner credits a better release point in his throwing motion to his surgery, and feels good about his mechanics entering the 2010 MLB Season.

"Now I am able to extend my arm and release the ball in front of me and be able to throw my slider," Santana remarked. "It's a big difference from last year. I am able to now throw my pitches and let everything go. Last year I wasn't able to do that. It will help all my pitches because now I am able to hide the ball better and extend to throw the ball better."

Last season for the Mets, Santana tabbed a 13-9 record, and an ERA of 3.13. He started 25 games for the club. As the 2009 season progressed however, Santana performance started to decline from June on. The bone chips got to him, and disrupted his mechanics.

The Mets finished with a record of 70-92 last season, and fourth place in the NL East division. They produced their lowest run total since the 2003 season.

With Santana healthy, New York will look to challenge Philadelphia for the division in 2010.

The Mets made several key off-season acquisitions, including the addition of outfielder Jason Bay from the Boston Red Sox. They also added pitcher Kelvim Escobar on free agency from the Angels, which should fill their rotation.

Oddmakers at Bodog Sportsbook believe that the Mets are potential contenders for the 2010 World Series Championship. They have been established with MLB odds at 20/1 to win it all.