Quote: It’s all about Winnng
Prior to yesterday’s game, Johan Santana told reporters that he would be starting today’s game, on just three days rest, against the Marlins today.
Santana, as quoted by Adam Rubin in the Daily News, said:
“When you’re in a situation like this, it doesn’t really matter…You don’t think about pitches or anything. It’s about winning.”
Jerry Manuel, on the decision to start Santana, said:
“This was his choice. He came in and begged for tomorrow’s game…He said, ‘I’m pitching Saturday.””
Manuel later told reporters that Santana made this statement last Wednesday, just one day after his last start.
David Wright, on Johan Santana:
“I don’t know anything about pitching, but I like Johan. I like our chances, so if there’s one guy I want to have the ball – not only on this team, but in the league – Johan is the guy…I know that expectations are going to be high on him, but him willing to do this after throwing 125 pitches and coming back on short rest it speaks volumes to the kind of teammates and kind character and kind of competitor he is.”
Manuel also acknowledged that Oliver Perez will pitch on three-days rest as well, and start on Sunday.
