Santana's setback is particularly alarming for the fourth-place Mets, who are counting on the two-time Cy Young Award winner to lead their rotation for years to come.
"He has not been throwing between starts for quite awhile," New York manager Jerry Manuel said Monday after his team's 6-2 loss to Philadelphia. "I would say since before the All-Star break. He has been pitching with this problem, but not with the level of discomfort he has now. ... Now, it concerns him."
So, the guy who replaced Willie Randolph sent Johan Santana, the Mets ace for the next six years, to the mound knowing he was injured in a season that has been long over for the Mets. Good job Jerry.
It also appears that the lefty may be headed for surgery:
Oh, and then there's this:It also appears that the lefty may be headed for surgery:
Mets players said Monday they expect Johan Santana will require surgery on his left elbow to repair whatever malady has prompted the club to scratch the pitcher from his scheduled start against the Marlins in Miami on Tuesday. Instead of making his 26th start, Santana is to have his elbow examined by Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek. And, if his teammates' sense of the situation is right, his next start likely will be next season.The Mets offered minimal information, i.e., no specific diagnosis or theories, about the problem that manager Jerry Manuel said began to develop before the All-Star break. But Mike Pelfrey, Santana's fellow starter, said, "I don't think anyone expects good news." And Jeff Francouer said he anticipates Santana will require surgery after speaking with the pitcher in the clubhouse Monday.
Other players said Santana seems resigned to surgery.
At one point, Francoeur -- he, too, is injured now -- said Santana "can get it looked at now and be two months ahead by Spring Training," an indication of a possible need for surgery in the immediate future rather than after the season. Later he acknowledged his conversation with the pitcher and the likelihood of surgery.
And indication of the pain Santana has endured is that he opted not to make the start. Some 11 months ago, he pitched a three-hit shutout in a must game for the Mets on a left knee that required surgery immediately after the season. Teammates said Monday that the knee has been an issue at times this season, but that the elbow was a far more significant problem.So their ace has knee and elbow problems, wow, what a mess. (hat-tip to NoMaas.org for the links)
I took a lot of flak from fans, readers, and friends, for being against the Johan Santana trade back in the winter of 2007. In the time since then the non-move hasn't looked so bad. Sure, they missed the postseason last year - might have made it with Johan - but they were able to sign CC Sabathia, keep Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Melky Cabrera, two of which have been huge contributors to the Yankees success this year. Oh, and if you think they could have gotten both Johan and CC, well, that wasn't going to happen.
Also, Johan's fastball is dropping, especially this season as this chart from Fangraphs.com shows:
And his numbers in the NL East this season are 13-9, with a 3.13 ERA, which are good numbers but what would they be in the far superior AL East?Also, his K/9 has dropped from 9.66 in 2007, to 7.91 last year, and this year its down to 7.88. His BB/9 have gone up from 1.81 in '06 to 2.14 in '07. Surprsingly that's also gone up in the NL with a 2.42 BB/9 last year, and a 2.48 this year. Want more bad numbers? Well, here you go. Opponents hit .229 against him in '07, in '08 that went up to .238, and this year it's at .249. And his WHIP has gone up in each of the past five seasons in a row.
Besides all that we get this tweet from Bart Hubbuch about Johan's sore elbow (hat-tip to Mike Silva):
Unbelievable: Johan Santana's start Tuesday has been scratched due to elbow soreness. He is getting examined.Anyone else still upset that Brian Cashman didn't make the trade? I know I'm not and never was.
11 Comments:
I was never upset about this trade. Yes it would be nice to have him but Minnesota was asking too much. Plus I'm sure Cashman had CC in the back of his mind down the road otherwise they probably would have made a move.
Agreed, CC hitting the FA market was the reason they didn't go after Johan.
The non move has really defined Cashman's tenure with the Yankees and it was a good one. From every angle, it looks like Cash did the right thing.
Forget about the prospects, Johan is on the decline and his contract will become a liability in the next few years.
I completely agree, Mike.
I wasn't upset because Boston didn't get him.
I thought something was up with Santana ever since his pounding by the Yanks. He seemed only to throw a fastball or change-up. No breaking pitches. Looks like the WBC claims another victim.
With the way the Yankees have dealt with some injuries (Wang) this season, I have the feeling that the situation would have been the same, if not worse if he had been in the Yanks rotation. Girardi would have kept running him out there every 5 days too.
The thing is the Yankees season isn't over, they're actually playing for something. The Mets are dead, so even if they thought it wasn't a concern they still should have protected him.
Also, I'm not so sure of that. Wang, for example, wasn't mishandled by Girardi, he was mishandled by the organization. So was A-Rod for that matter when they didn't force him to have the surgery earlier.
I never wish injury on anyone, but with the season the Mets are having - its like watching an 8 car pile-up; you can't help but feel a little thrill when you see the 9th car ready to join in.
This whole team is a mess and needs to be overhauled top to bottom.
I'm not happy he's hurt, I just think this makes Cashman's decision look that much better, that's all.
This will be a great addition to the Red Sox roster..!!
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