Duke Castiglione's Blog

Johan Santana lived up to the hype yesterday.  Listen I know it's early in the season and I know he faced the AAAA Marlins but what he did yesterday was go seven innings on just 100 pitches.  That not only gives the manager, his teammates and the fans a lift, but it also saves the bullpen.  I have said it before and I will say it again in the last 15 or 20 years the game has evolved to where if you don't have a strong, healthy bullpen you really can't win.  Look at the Oakland A's in the late 80s, the Yanks in mid 90s:  strong starting pitching and a strong healthy bullpen.

Santana also sets the tone for the rest of the starters.  He can also play the role of stopper---meaning if you lose a few games in a row you know it won't be long until Johan takes the mound.

Is he perfect?  No.  I do think he has fallen in love with his change up (yesterday the homer he gave up was on a change up)  He will give up some homers.  But, he is a fly ball pitcher and the bigger ball parks and weaker lineups in the National league probably means he will give up fewer homers

Beyond all the talent you see when he takes the mound one of Johan's best traits he is mentally tough.  I had a chance to sit with Johan during a spring training game and talk to him live on ESPN while we watch a Twins vs Yanks game.  He is constantly trying to learn.  He is very at ease and comfortable in who he is.  There is a calm, confidence about the man.  When times get tough and they always do here in New York Johan should breeze through it.