9/29/08

Bittersweet: Johan Santana named NL Pitcher of the Month for September

Oh, yay.

Via Mets.com:
During September, Santana tossed 44.1 innings, allowing nine runs on 39 hits with 13 walks and collecting 47 strikeouts. The 29-year-old did not allow more than two runs in any of his six starts, and recorded 10 strikeouts on two occasions (9/1 at MIL and 9/23 vs. CHI). The three-time All-Star hurled a three-hit shutout on three days' rest against the Florida Marlins in his last start of the season on September 27th. Santana became the fifth pitcher since 2000 to post a complete game on three days' rest. The two-time A.L. Cy Young Award winner finished the season 16-7 with a Major League-best 2.53 ERA and 206 strikeouts in 234.1 innings pitched. This marks Johan's sixth career monthly pitcher honor. He won five times in the American League, most recently in July 2006.
He should be in contention for the NL Cy Young, but the bullpen was just terrible, and blew any chance he had for that award.

He's been worth every single penny. He almost saved the season, and he's done as much as possible for the team.

Congrats, Johan. Here's to next year...