Note: Johan wants You to Play Better
Last night, in a loss to the Brewers, Johan Santana allowed six runs on nine hits, while walking four, including the opposing pitcher, in six innings, during which he also made a throwing error.
Following a two-error, fourth inning, 
during which four runs scored, Santana was seen on television barking at his teammates and himself from the bench.
Santana, following the game, explained to reporters:
“I wasn’t frustrated (on the bench), I was just letting people know we need to play better baseball. If we don’t play better baseball we’re not gonna win. If we don’t make routine plays, if we don’t execute, throw the right the pitch, we’re not gonna win… I wasn’t trying to get on anybody, it was more of a general thing. We have to play better.”
…the fourth inning was ugly… it like watching a Little League team, complete with a face-first belly flop, two errant throws, and runners ice skating around the bases… for details, read the previous post, where i describe it in the post-game write up, because i can’t stomach describing it again…
Later, Santana added:
“I don’t know, man. I’m just trying to do my job… I cannot control things after I throw the ball, and that’s reality. I’m just trying to do my job and help as much as I can… Any time I pitch it’s always about one play, or one pitch, that can change the whole game and that was the difference in tonight’s game.”
…hmmm, one play, you mean like walking the pitcher on four pitches… or, do you mean giving up a bases-clearing double on an 0–2 pitch… or, do you mean throwing the ball over the third baseman’s head so a run could score… all of which johan did, himself alone, in the fourth inning…
…on one hand, i feel badly for johan, as he’s a superior talent on an under-performing team… at the same time, he’s a leader, and i hope he is stepping up to take responsibility with his teammates, even though many of them are to blame for last night’s loss as well, all while inspiring and encouraging them to do better…
By the way, according to Elias Sports Bureau, courtesy of ESPN.com, last night was the sixth time this season that Santana walked a pitcher, the highest total in the majors. Prior to this season, opposing pitchers had only two walks in 79 plate appearances against Santana.
…from a talent point of view, something is just off with johan… it’s one thing to have a bad start, that’s totally acceptable… but, he’s looked to be off his game for a good month or so, with a decrease in velocity, while not commanding his fastball…
Santana is 2–4 in six starts in June with a 6.19 ERA, during which he has 18 strike outs, 14 walks and allowed eight home runs in 36 innings pitched.
He allowed five home runs total in April and May.
