This is not easy for me to say, but I think it is true. Johan Santana is not as good as he used to be. He is still an excellent pitcher just not a top five starter anymore. His stats would suggest he is still amongst the games best pichers. I've watched all of his starts this year, and I think we are not seeing the same pitcher. His velocity now at a consistent 88-89 mph is considerably lower than when he came here in 2008.(94-95mph)
Maybe his velocity is down because he had surgery in September. Or maybe its because he just has too many miles on him,(Career high 234 iinings pitched in 2008) combined with going on short rest down the stretch. Maybe he will prove me wrong and have a really strong second half.
Whatever it is, I think with Santana's diminished stuff makes it even more important the Mets add Cliff Lee. Acquiring Lee might light some fire under Johan. Even if Lee is just a rental, he could end up being the final piece for the Mets. Adding some competition to the starting rotation would help getting the most out of Santana.
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