Mets | Santana sharp Thursday

The Associated Press reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana (12-8) struck out eight and walked one in seven sharp innings for the win over the Colorado Rockies Thursday, July 30. He gave up just four hits in the game. Santana finished 3-2 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts in July.

Santana was dominant Thursday, pitching seven scoreless innings,

Santana was dominant Thursday, pitching seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out eight. [...]

Santana back to dominant self

News: Johan Santana threw seven sharp innings Thursday and the streaking Mets won their fifth consecutive game, beating the Rockies 7-0 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader. Santana (12-8) struck out eight and walked one in his first career outing against Colorado, allowing just four hits. The two-time Cy Young Award winner closed out July with a 3-2 record and a sparkling 1.82 ERA in five starts. [...]

Johan Santana tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out

Johan Santana tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out eight to beat the Rockies in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader. Bobby Parnell and Tim Redding finished up the 7-0 shutout. [...]

Berroa (!) knocks in two

Angel Berroa had his first multi-RBI since last September 24th, helping Johan Santana and the Mets blank the Rockies 7-0.

Our View: Glory glory alleluia! Berroa won't be finishing the season with just one RBI after all. Even the worst offensive player in baseball drives in runs sometimes.

Santana makes quick work of Rox

Johan Santana easily dispatched of the Rockies in game one of a doubleheader on Thursday, allowing just four hits, while striking out eight, in seven innings, as the Mets beat the Rockies 7-0 to win their fifth straight.

Our View: Santana has pitched very effectively in July after seeing his ERA jump by nearly a run and a half in June. Whatever injury he might have been hiding appears to have healed.

Santana leads Mets past Rockies 7-0

Johan Santana threw seven sharp innings Thursday and the streaking New York Mets won their fifth straight game, beating the Colorado Rockies 7-0 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.

Santana pushed back to Thursday

News: The scheduled game between the Colorado Rockies and New York Mets has been postponed because of rain. Wednesday night's game will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader on Thursday, with the opener starting at 12:10 p.m. and the nightcap at 7:10 p.m. Johan Santana had been set to start Wednesday night for the Mets, riding a four-game winning streak. Right-hander Jason Hammel was supposed to pitch for the Rockies, who are a half-game behind NL wild-card leader San Francisco. [...]

The Mets-Rockies game was postponed Wednesday due to rain, the

The Mets-Rockies game was postponed Wednesday due to rain, the Associated Press reports. [...]

Monday's game between the Mets and Rockies has been postponed

Monday's game between the Mets and Rockies has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday. Johan Santana will start for the Mets in Game 1, with Jon Niese going next. [...]

Mets | Santana suffers loss Friday

New York Mets SP Johan Santana allowed five runs on 12 hits over 6 2/3 innings Friday, July 24, against the Houston Astros, according to The Associated Press. He walked three and struck out three, falling to 11-8 on the season.

Santana allows 12 hits in loss

News: Mike Hampton helped himself with the bat in his duel with Mets ace Johan Santana. Hampton hit a two-run homer off Santana and the Houston beat the Mets 5-4 on Friday night, handing the New York ace a rare loss after the All-Star break. Santana (11-8) went 8-0 in 15 second-half starts last season and beat Atlanta on Saturday, his first start after the break. He allowed 12 hits on Friday, matching a career high, in 6 2/3 innings and lost for the third time in five starts. "I was just not able to come through tonight," Santana said. [...]

Santana dropped to 11-8 this season by allowing five runs in

Santana dropped to 11-8 this season by allowing five runs in 6.2 innings Friday against Houston. The Astros touched him for a season-high 12 hits. [...]

Santana roughed up by Astros

Johan Santana was roughed up for five earned runs on 12 hits over 6.2 innings in Friday's 5-4 loss at Houston. He had three walks and three strikeouts.

Our View: The Mets' ace hurler had his two-game winning streak snapped, and falls to 11-8 for the season. He allowed two or less earned runs in each of his previous three starts, and he should bounce back fine following tonight's disappointing performance.

Hampton earns win over Mets

Mike Hampton gave up four earned runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings in Friday's 5-4 win over the Mets at Minute Maid Park. He had four walks and seven strikeouts. He also hit a two-run homer off ace Johan Santana.

Our View: It was a sloppy performance for Hampton, but the Astros provided enough offensive firepower for him to collect his sixth win of the season. He is now 2-2 this month, and is a decent option for NL-only leagues.

Johan Santana served up five runs over 6 2/3 innings in a 5-4

Johan Santana served up five runs over 6 2/3 innings in a 5-4 loss to the Astros on Friday night. Believe it or not, Santana uncorked a two-run homer to the opposing pitcher Mike Hampton. [...]

Friday's loss marked the end of an incredible run of second-half

Friday's loss marked the end of an incredible run of second-half success for the ace left-hander, as Santana suffered his first post-break defeat since Sept. 26, 2007 when he was still a member of the Twins. Since then, he's gone 9-0 over his last 16 second-half starts, including a win against the Braves his last time out. Santana will try to get a new run started when he next toes the rubber on July 29 vs. the Rockies at Citi Field.

Astros beat Santana, Mets

Mike Hampton hit a two-run homer off Johan Santana and the Houston Astros beat the Mets 5-4 on Friday night, handing the New York ace a rare loss after the All-Star break.

Santana ran his scoreless streak to 15 innings since allowing

Santana ran his scoreless streak to 15 innings since allowing a solo homer to Chase Utley on July 5 in Philadelphia and picked up his first win in seven career starts against the Braves as the Mets won, 5-1, Saturday. [...]

Santana gets first win over Braves

News: Second-half success is nothing new for Johan Santana. Beating the Atlanta Braves? Now that was a career first for the left-hander. Santana threw seven scoreless innings to take some pressure off New York's struggling offense and the Mets beat the Braves 5-1 on Saturday. Santana earned his first career victory against the Braves, improving to 1-4 despite his 1.96 ERA in seven career starts against Atlanta. "It's always good to get the first one out of the way," Santana said. [...]

Mets | Santana picks up win Saturday

Charles Odum, of The Associated Press, reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana pitched seven scoreless innings Saturday, July 18, to pick up his 11th win of the season. He allowed five hits while striking out five batters and walking two.

Johan Santana tossed seven scoreless innings against the Braves

Johan Santana tossed seven scoreless innings against the Braves Saturday as the Mets grabbed a 5-1 victory. At least one member of the Amazin's hasn't quit. [...]

Johan Santana tossed seventh scoreless innings against the Braves

Johan Santana tossed seventh scoreless innings against the Braves Saturday as the Mets grabbed a 5-1 victory. At least one member of the Amazin's hasn't quit. [...]

Santana carries Mets to win over Braves

Johan Santana struck out five over seven shutout innings, and the Mets scored three times in the ninth inning to down the Braves, 5-1, on Saturday.

Santana has cast aside a dreadful June (2-4, 6.19 ERA), posting

Santana has cast aside a dreadful June (2-4, 6.19 ERA), posting numbers more in line with his fantastic career marks in July (2-1, 0.85 ERA), paving the way for a possible second-half surge. Last season Santana was merely perfect after the break. He made 15 starts, lost none and won eight. The Mets won four of his seven no-decisions, and his ERA in the three games they lost was 2.11. The ace lefty will look to keep the ball rolling on July 24 when he faces off against the Astros.

Santana, Mets hold off Braves, 5-1

Johan Santana threw seven scoreless innings to take some pressure off New York's struggling offense and the Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 5-1 on Saturday.

Mets | Santana not used in All-Star Game

ESPN.com reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana didn't pitch in the All-Star Game.

Mets | Hoping Johan isn't used in All-Star Game

The New York Daily News' Adam Rubin reports the New York Mets are hoping SP Johan Santana isn't used in the All-Star Game after pitching Saturday, July 11.

The Mets are hoping Johan Santana is not used in Tuesday's All-Star

The Mets are hoping Johan Santana is not used in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Santana tossed seven innings on Saturday and is scheduled to pitch Thursday. The Mets would obviously prefer to keep him on regular rest. [...]

Santana ranks among the NL leaders in wins and ERA, but there’s

Santana ranks among the NL leaders in wins and ERA, but there’s one alarming trend to keep track of: Johan’s strikeouts have fallen noticeably, from 12.12 K/9 in April, to 11.34 in May, to 4.46 in June, to 5.14 in July. That could indicate Santana is pitching at less than 100 percent.

Halladay Vs. The Angels

From Joel Sherman's Hardball Blog.

I do not believe the Yankees will be serious players on Roy Halladay. They have shown a disinclination to give up big prospects and pay a big salary in the recent past (think Johan Santana). Also, Yankee officials say that Toronto has demonstrated a strong desire not to deal its ace within the AL East.

However, I figured I would pass along just what Halladay has done against the Angels since the beginning of the 2007 season as a way to show that there are actual starting pitchers who can do well against the Yanks' tormenters:

Halladay has started five times, going 4-1 with a 2.41 ERA. Four of those five outings have been quality starts. The only one that wasn't was Halladay's last start against the Angels when he gave up four runs in a complete game in which, by the way, he also struck out a career-high 14 in throwing 133 pitches. In those five starts, he has pitched seven innings once, eight innings twice and nine innings twice.

The last Yankee complete game vs. the Angels was July 30, 2003 by Roger Clemens.

Mets | Santana earns win Saturday

New York Mets SP Johan Santana allowed five hits over seven scoreless innings Saturday, July 11, against the Cincinnati Reds, according to The Associated Press. He walked one and struck out five, improving to 10-7 on the season.

Santana hurls seven scoreless

Johan Santana was dominant in tonight's 4-0 win over the Reds at Citi Field, as he only surrendered five hits over seven scoreless innings. He issued one walk with five strikeouts.

Our View: Santana pitched up to his billing as the ace of the Mets' rotation, and collected his team-leading 10th win of the season. This also marks the fifth time he has not allowed any earned runs.

Santana threw seven scoreless innings against the Reds Saturday

Santana threw seven scoreless innings against the Reds Saturday to pick up his 10th win of the year. [...]

Johan Santana blanked the Reds for seven innings Saturday to

Johan Santana blanked the Reds for seven innings Saturday to pick up his 10th victory. Santana had lost four of his last five starts, though he only struggled in two of those. [...]

Mets SP Johan Santana (9-8) won for the only the second time

News: Mets SP Johan Santana (9-8) won for the only the second time in his last six starts Saturday as he held the Reds to five hits over seven shutout innings in a 4-0 victory. Santana struck out five and walked one. [...]

His June struggles (6.19 ERA, 1.57) seem well behind him as

His June struggles (6.19 ERA, 1.57) seem well behind him as Santana delivered his second straight quality start to begin July. Even though his strikeouts still haven't returned to an elite level -- the five K's were his most in seven starts -- Santana has rendered opposing lineups helpless in July. The four-time All-Star ended the first half with a 10-7 record, a 3.09 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP.

Mets | Santana loses Sunday

The Associated Press reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana allowed two earned runs over seven innings Sunday, July 5, as he lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. Santana gave up three hits and two walks while striking out three in the game. He now holds a 9-7 record on the season.

Johan Santana took a tough-luck loss Sunday, allowing two earned

Johan Santana took a tough-luck loss Sunday, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts in seven innings of work against the Phillies.

Analysis: Even without a win, this outing has to instill confidence in Santana owners. The left-hander baffled Philadelphia’s potent lineup for most of the afternoon, throwing 64% of his offerings for strikes. Though he did allow a pair of solo home runs, Santana’s track record demands owners’ confidence in his next start, at home against the Reds on July 11.

Johan Santana took a tough-luck loss Sunday, allowing two earned

Johan Santana took a tough-luck loss Sunday, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts in seven innings of work against the Phillies.

Analysis: Even without a win, this outing has to instill confidence in Santana owners. The left-hander baffled Philadelphia’s potent lineup for most of the afternoon, throwing 64% of his offerings for strikes. Though he did allow a pair of solo home runs, the Santana’s track record demands owners’ confidence in his next start, at home against the Reds on July 11.

Santana suffers loss in Philadelphia

Johan Santana only allowed two earned runs on three hits over seven innings in Sunday's 2-0 loss at Philadelphia. He had two walks and three strikeouts, and both runs came on solo home runs.

Our View: Santana pitched well, but was dealt his seventh loss of the season due to no support from his teammates. He only has one win over his last five starts, despite giving up two or less earned runs three times over the span.

Santana allowed just two runs in seven innings Sunday against

Santana allowed just two runs in seven innings Sunday against the Phillies, but dropped to 9-7 on the season. [...]

Mets SP Johan Santana (9-7) allowed just two runs on three hits

News: Mets SP Johan Santana (9-7) allowed just two runs on three hits over seven innings Sunday, but lost for the fourth time in his last five starts as the Phillies won 2-0. Santana struck out three and walked two. [...]

Johan Santana fell to 9-7 on the season Sunday after allowing

Johan Santana fell to 9-7 on the season Sunday after allowing two earned runs over seven innings to the rival Phillies. Santana pitched semi-effectively, but got absolutely no help from his offense. [...]

Braun drives in 4, Brewers top skidding Mets again

The injury-depleted Mets are a mess, and not even Johan Santana could help against a fill-in starter.

Mets | Santana finishes bad month of June

The Newark Star-Ledger reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana gave up six runs, five of them earned, in over six innings Tuesday, June 30, against the Milwaukee Brewers. He finished with a 6.19 ERA for the month of June, his worst since becoming a full-time starter with the Minnesota Twins in 2004.

Brewers | Braun has three hits, drives in four

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Milwaukee Brewers OF Ryan Braun had three hits and four RBIs Tuesday, June 30, in a 6-3 win over the New York Mets. Braun ended the night with a .583 average (7-for-12) against New York Mets SP Johan Santana.

Ryan J. Braun hit a three-run double and scored on Johan Santana's

News: Ryan J. Braun hit a three-run double and scored on Johan Santana's throwing error, sending the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-3 victory over the Mets on Tuesday night that extended New York's losing streak to a season-high five games. With a runner on and one out, Corey C. Hart hit a deep fly but Martinez slipped on the grass and then carved up a divot during his slip while the ball landed untouched about two feet away, giving Hart a double in the fourth. Santana then walked J.J. Hardy on four pitches to load the bases, and pitching coach Dan Warthen was ejected by plate umpire Jim Wolf for arguing after a mound visit. Braun, who drove in Milwaukee's first run in the third, lined an 0-2 pitch over left fielder Gary Sheffield's head, and the relay throw from shortstop Alex Cora bounced away from catcher Omir Santos before he could tag Hardy. Santana was backing up the play and tried to get Braun, who had rounded third, but Santana's throw went well over the head of David Wright, allowing Braun to score easily to make it 5-2. Santana, loser of three of his last four starts, fell to the ground, staring off in disbelief after the play. [...]