HALLELUJAH! The Mets' Pitching Woes Are No More

Just get a pitcher. Someone who can really contribute. Those were the desperate cries of Mets fans all over the globe, who collectively watched the worst collapse in sports history last season. Well, after much worry and anticipation, the Mets have brought someone in. The man that super baseball geek Tim Kurkjian referred to as “the clear cut best pitcher in baseball” is, in principal, a New York Met. That man is Twins superstar Johan Santana. No one needs a lecture on Santana’s stats. He has been the triple crown winner (strikeouts, wins, ERA) over the last four years in all of major league baseball. The soon-to-be 29-year-old lefty has a record of 82-35 over the past five years. Simply put, Santana is the nastiest dude around.
Some may quickly become skeptical, pondering the astronomical price the Mets must have paid the Twins. Well, fear not, Mets’ faithful. Omar Minaya is great at his job, as he proved through this deal. The Mets’ have given four of their top seven prospects (according to Baseball America), but managed to keep their top prospect, outfielder Fernando Martinez. Sure, Carlos Gomez will be missed. Kevin Mulvey, Phillip Humber and Deolis Guerra are all great prospects. But that is all they are. For unproved prospects, we can get the best pitcher in the Major Leagues? The paragon of pitching in baseball will be a New York Met, and for prospects, and not even the top prospect, the price is cheap.
Of course, there is one catch. Omar Minaya and his front-office gang must sign Johan to a contract extension within 72 hours. Considering the fact that Barry Zito, a good pitcher but not even a perennial all-star, signed a 7 year, $125 million contract last year with the Giants, Johan’s price tag will only be higher. But, that is what is so great about being a Mets fan. The Mets are not the Royals, nor are they the Pirates or (Hallelujah) the Marlins. Freddy Wilpon will drop the cash for Johan Santana, and all Omar needs to do is lock the southpaw up for as long as he can. The Mets have come too far in this process for the extension not to happen. They are certainly a PR conscious team. Ergo I have no doubt that Johan Santana will officially be a Met by Friday.
After last year’s September fiasco, every Met fan screamed for some pitching, just a little bit of pitching. Is a quality start every now and then so much to ask? Well Omar Minaya heard your screams, folks, and instead of groans and sentiments of utter disgust, there will be cheers and feelings of glee. What were the Mets missing last year? What has been their absolute top priority this off-season? An ace. Someone who can set the pace for the four starters following him. Remember, this is the same Johan who not only threw a complete game shutout at Shea Stadium in 2007, but also doubled twice. This move will take the Mets from a contender in the NL East to the best team in the National League, and maybe even all of baseball.