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Santana’s Debut: A Letdown | But Sanchez, Kunz Impress
By Alex G. on February 29th, 2008 6:17 PM |
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The Location: Port St.Lucie, Florida
The Time: 1:10 pm est
The Outcome: Mediocre
Today was the day, that Mets fans have been salivating over for since January 30th. Johan Santana’s Mets debut finally arrived in Port St. Lucie today against the Cardinals. Although it was only a Spring Training game, it was one of the most anticipated days in recent Mets history. To most Mets fan the score did not matter (the Mets lost 5-4), all that mattered was seeing Santana throw that elusive change-up he has made infamous.
Santana got through the first batter of the game using that change-up but then things came unraveled. Chris Duncan proceeded to hit a bloop single into left field, which was followed by a double by Albert Pujols. Santana was able to get the next batter to hit a ground ball to David Wright who threw Duncan out at home. But then, out of the depths of God knows where, stepped up dreaded power hitter (cue Darth Vadar music) Juan Gonzalez. Thats right, the Juan Gonzalez. The Juan Gonzalez who was named in the Mitchell Report. The Juan Gonzalez who has recorded all of 1 major league at-bat in the last 3 seasons. The Juan Gonzalez who decided to ruin every Met fan’s day. With 2 runners on, Gonzalez teed off on a first pitch fastball that sent the ball and Mets fans’ dreams over the the left field wall. Santana however, did not seem too upset:
“I’m very happy to be able to perform today, even though the numbers will say something different,” Santana said. “I don’t really go by that.”
Santana’s final line was 2 innings pitched and 3 earned runs. He was not the only pitcher Mets fans were interested in watching though. Mets oft injured reliever Duaner Sanchez was making an anticipated return to the mound today after coming out of his last performance complaining of “soreness.” Today however, Sanchez pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run. The most important thing about Sanchez’s outing is the fact that he said “he felt good.” 1st round draft choice Eddie Kunz also made an appearance in today’s game. Kunz, like Sanchez, gave up 1 run in one inning.
