Santana strong, but still iffy for opener

Santana strong, but still iffy for opener

Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

Johan Sanata throws a good bullpen session, but his status for Opening Day is up in the air.

PORT ST. LUCIE There were no fans at Digital Domain Park late Saturday morning, and most of Johan Santanas teammates were already on I-95, headed south on a bus for an afternoon game against the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla.

But those in the Met family who remained in town a group including Terry Collins, David Wright, Dan Warthen, R.A. Dickey, Mike Pelfrey, Al Jackson and trainer Ray Ramirez gathered near the bullpen mound to to watch the most crucial event of the w eekend: Santana was throwing one final time, testing his body before deciding if he will start on Opening Day.

Tossing what the Mets called 39 warm-up pitches and 32 game-situation pitches, Santana said he felt strong, but remained cautious about committing to an April 5 appearance at Citi Field against Tommy Hanson and the Atlanta Braves.

Weve got to go one step at a time, just like we have planned from the beginning, Santana said. Things can change from one day to another. We just have to make sure every time that it feels good. And thats the way it has been so far. So if everything goes right, Ill be there.

Although he did not experience a setback, Santanas week was not smooth. It began on Monday, when he could not get loose in the first inning against St. Louis, and saw diminished velocity.

It was a tough day, Santana conceded Saturday. It was a rough day."

In the days after, he complained to teammates abou t back and leg soreness, and told them that he remained concerned about Opening Day. The Mets backup plan is to hold Santana until the fifth game of the season, but team brass is hopeful that he will be ready for the opener (a formal announcement will not come until Sunday at the earliest).

Collins said that he would meet with Santana in the morning, and decide on his Opening Day Starter.

If its not going to be him, weve got to make a decision who is going to pitch when, Collins said. Im not going to sacrifice the last two years that he has worked his butt off just to have him pitch Opening Day. If there is any discomfort at all, he is not pitching. Well pick another day."

On Saturday, the Mets allowed themselves to imagine Santana facing the Braves. During the high-energy bullpen session, Warthen stepped into the batters box and ordered Santana to imagine him as one Atlanta hitter after another. Michael Bourn! Warthen would shout. Bria n McCann!"

The pitching coach later complimented Santana, yelling, Good speed. Good arm action.

As he does when feeling healthy and comfortable, Santana chattered and joked throughout the simulated game save for the one moment when he unleashed a high-fastball, missing catcher Eric Langills target by several feet.

That was terrible, Santana said, shaking his head.

Later, he noted the heartening progress in his rehab from Sept. 2010 surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder and the distance that he still must traverse in his recovery.

To be here right now, and be able to do everything the way it was supposed to be done I didnt miss one day its huge for me, Santana said. But we still have to work. Were not done yet. Were just in the beginning of everything. The season hasnt even started."

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