Johan Santana was voted the NL Pitcher of the Month this afternoon. He was 4-0 with a 1.83 ERA in September, including a gutty effort in Saturday’s shutout of the Florida Marlins that only delayed the eventual agony.

Santana gave up nine runs on 39 hits with 47 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings. He only walked 13.

With the way Santana finished the season, it is hard to believe he was booed in the first half. He’s been lights out since early July.

-Since July 4, was 9-0 with a 2.09 ERA in 17 starts. He allowed three runs or less in 16 of these starts.

-Santana was 6-0 with a 1.47 ERA in his last nine starts at Shea.

Posted under New York Mets

There’s still a buzz around Shea this morning following Johan Santana’s masterful performance yesterday over Florida. Shutouts are rare. Rarer still is the kind of job Santana did yesterday. His roll is why the Mets remain in contention.

Consider:

-Since July 4, he’s 9-0 with a 2.09 ERA in 17 starts. He has allowed three runs or less in 16 of these starts.

-Santana is 6-0 with a 1.47 ERA in his last nine starts at Shea.

-Santana is the first Mets pitcher to throw a complete-game on three days rest since David Cone, Aug. 13, 1990, at San Francisco.

Posted under New York Mets

Jerry Manuel had his choice of either Johan Santana or Pedro Martinez to open tonight’s series against Atlanta. It was a no-brainer.

He’s the guy if you want to open a series,” Manuel said. “If you had a choice, you would choose, at this point in their careers, Johan.”

In a six-game winless stretch from June 6-July 4, the Mets gave Santana 11 runs. And, with the bullpen coughing up the lead in six of his games, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that with a little support he could be going after his 20th win tonight. His 2.70 ERA, not 13-7 record is indicative of how well he’s pitched.

Santana prevented the Mets from being swept by Philadelphia last Sunday, easily his most important victory of the season. That game is why they got him.

Posted under New York Mets