Comments on: Poll: Grading Johan Santana, So Far

By: sherlockcollector

sherlockcollector — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:33:06 +0000

They might be dead already or it just smells that way. Seriously Santana has been pretty good but not lights out as most of us thought or hoped he would be. Ron Darling made a perseptive comment in that he needs to throw his fastball earlier in the count and that would set up his changeup. His change is great but he almost trows it too often. Also it seams like a lot of great pitchers have trouble in the first inning [Seaver was one] but once they settle down get in a groove. I agree with some bullpen support Santana could be 9 -3.

By: BigHangWithEm

BigHangWithEm — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:58:54 +0000

it’s that his changeup grip takes a few months of repetition before it starts to become truly nasty and unhittable.

It will come. Patience, fellow Mets fans.

By: BigHangWithEm

BigHangWithEm — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:57:15 +0000

so explain why the AL is statistically inferior to the NL this year, chef.

By: Thee Bruce Dickenson

Thee Bruce Dickenson — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:51:33 +0000

“Why be a fan if you’re hoping for the worst?”…… you say this and yet your name is There’s always ’09??????? don’t you think that is a little inconsistent?

By: BigHangWithEm

BigHangWithEm — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:41:26 +0000

npanzeca,

Just give Johan some more time. I think you’ll happily be eating those words. Johan is a 2nd half pitcher historically.

For whatever reason it always takes him the first couple months to get the grip on his change just right. Once that’s locked in he’s pretty much lights out the rest of the way.

Don’t be surprised if he breaks off a streak of 10 straight wins sometime soon.

Also, the NL is the much better offensive league this season. So take that into consideration when you compare this year to past performance.

By: wnymetsfan

wnymetsfan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:40:17 +0000

It is now up to 34. WTF? How can you give him an F? I would give Ollie and F so far not Johan.

By: TheBigStapler

TheBigStapler — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:59:18 +0000

Has anybody come across any articles analyzing the theory that Johan Santana is a “second half pitcher?” The stats are there but the whole idea seems unsound to me. Why would you magically become better after the all star break? Is it the weather? If so, why is Johan so effective in September and October?

By: npanzeca

npanzeca — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:40:44 +0000

I don’t have the numbers but I remember that he had a bad second half last year and that is when his velocity went down quite a bit.

By: ness589

ness589 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:39:47 +0000

Inconsistent run support and bullpen have hurt his record.

I give him an A. Why?

EVERY SINGLE GAME HE HAS STARTED HAS BEEN WINNABLE.

He gave up 12 hits to the Braves but only 4 runs. How many pitchers can do that? He’s not going to be Sandy Koufax in his prime, especially all-season long. Wait until the 2nd half.

By: djsunyc

djsunyc — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:37:29 +0000

there is a reason why the yanks/sox didn’t budge in their offers for santana and that’s the fear that he may have peaked and will no longer be a top pitcher in baseball in under 3 years.

mets had to go get him b/c they really didn’t give up too much for him.

him going to the NL extended his productivity by 2 years. if he was still in the AL, he would have a 4+ ERA.