Quote: Santana and his 9 wins are Reality
In yesterday’s series-win against the Padres, Johan Santana let up just two runs and four hits while striking out seven hitters, but Scott Schoeneweis let up a game-tying home run in the ninth inning meaning Santana would not get credit for the win.
Santana has allowed just five runs in his last 30 innings pitched, yet the team is just 2–2.
His 2.85 ERA is fifth-best in the National League, his 135 strike outs are good for seventh, and only two other pitchers have thrown more ‘quality starts,’ yet he is 21st in wins.
On six occasions this season, including yesterday, Santana has left the game with a lead, after which the bullpen gave it up.
Santana, regarding his performance and the team’s bullpen, while talking to reporters following yesterday’s win:
“I mean, there’s not much I can say. You know, I mean, really, there’s not much I can say. We won the game, and that’s what matters. I’m here to help this team in any way I can…I don’t try to impress anybody (statistically), I know what I’m capable of doing…It’s not about that, it’s about being consistent and doing my job, that’s all, that’s the way I approach the game…I’m just trying to be myself, and trying to help…I only have nine wins, that’s the reality. I don’t blame that on anybody. I don’t feel sorry for things that couldn’t happen, didn’t happen, that’s just the way it is. I’m a realistic man, and this is reality and that’s the way it goes and you learn from that…
“(I’ve learned that) you’ve got to be patient and never give up. I’m here for a reason and that’s why they brought me here, and I’m not trying to be a hero, I’m just trying to be myself and trying to help them in any way that I can. I stand behind my team 100 percent, and as long as we win the game that’s all that matters.”
…i have no idea how he keeps himself from screaming…frankly, he looked like he was going to wig out in the dugout after Scott Schoeneweis let up the game-tying home run in the ninth inning yesterday…that said, he said all the right things in the above quote, and i believe he means it…he sounds a bit frustrated, as he should, a) because i am sure he would like to get credit in the stat line, and b) because i think he knows there are fans and media-types who will only see that he has nine wins, when in reality he is pitching very well and the team is winning, which is all that matters, but which nobody will notice…
…added to by Regis Courtemanche…
…i understand why jerry manuel wouldn’t want to wear santana out, but i think he could stretch him a bit further in games…four of santana’s last five games have been no decisions, and with wagner out, i don’t see any problem with santana closing out the game himself…with the likes of a john maine who has only pitched more than seven innings once this year i understand pulling him, but i say let johan play…
