Mets Gambling On Healthy Santana, First Day Off Mound Goes Well

The New York Mets had aspirations of winning the National League East title last year, and early in the season those expectations looked realistic. That was before injuries ravaged the first place club and took them from the top of the standings to fourth, behind the Marlins, Braves, and Phillies.

This off season, a majority of the media has been driving home the point that the Mets need to add another pitcher if they are going to compete this season. On Tuesday, however, the Mets may have received news that could be more influential in the team competing in the new year.

Johan Santana threw off of a mound for the first time since he underwent season ending elbow surgery last September. The results were as positive as they could have been for Santana and the Mets. He threw twenty-four pitches, and reported no pain afterwards.

The main thing Santana was waiting to see was if he was able to get arm extension off the mound. That question was answered, and Santana left feeling as though day one of his new year went well. Officials from the Mets were encouraged as well.

New York did make a splash in free agency this off season, but it was not the big name pitcher many expected. Instead, the Mets locked in Jason Bay to play left field. Bay brings a powerful bat that was missing last season when they were last in the NL in home runs.

Outside of Santana, New York is looking for comeback years from John Maine, Oliver Perez, and Mike Pelfrey, on the mound. If two of those three can return to their form of two years ago, the Mets may have enough arms in the stable to compete with Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Florida this season.

January 26, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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