Johan Is A Gamer

Yesterday as I was listening to WFAN before the game, Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno took a caller who spoke about their hopes for Johan Santana to receive run support in last night's game.  Roberts responded by saying that it wasn't the runs by the Mets, but actually Santana giving up runs that he was worried about.  While this, "What have you done for me lately?" attitude is pretty common among Mets fans and New York fans in general, I think this was a huge step in Johan showing that you should never doubt him and proving, once again, the legitimacy of this Mets team as a major threat in the NL this season. 

I wrote last week about how the Mets should make a trade now at almost any cost with one of the reasons being that you don't know how much Johan has left.  I still believe this statement, but like with Pedro, I believe Johan is also someone who rises to the occasion.  I first realized this more than ever in Santana's first year with the Mets when he pitched probably the best performance I've seen by a Met pitcher when he shut down the Marlins on the second to last day of the season.  In that must win situation, Johan went out and pitched 9 innings and gave up only 3 hits and no runs - sound familiar? 

It seems Santana can will himself to win games when it's absolutely necessary.  If the Mets are going to continue to be spotty on the road, they need to win series at home regularly.  After a rough performance by Pelf on Tuesday night and with Arroyo, who kills the Mets, on the hill tonight, last night was a must-win as far as this series goes.  He stepped up and not only put together a great pitching performance, but even hit a home run in the effort as well - the last time he did that, was in a video game according to Johan.  I guess he really is a "gamer."

Anyway, as far as the rest of this season goes, Mike Pelfrey is going to have his ups and downs, the Mets need to still trade for another pitcher to be a true playoff contender, and the bullpen may be spotty.  However, it's great to know that Johan is ready to step it up and deliver an excellent performance when the Mets need it most.  Drink it up!