As the Mets opened mini-camp in Port St. Lucie all eyes were on lefty ace Johan Santana as he threw off a mound for the first time since having surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow last season.
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Santana threw 25 pitches over a six-minute span in a bullpen session. The Mets’ star pitcher reported no problems after the workout.
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Santana’s bullpen session was a good sign for the Mets who have had to deal with injury issues already this offseason with center fielder Carlos Beltran.
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Santana was not the only Met to participate in the bullpen session, but he was without a doubt the biggest concern. Santana threw alongside Oliver Perez and three other Mets pitchers.
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Santana addressed any concerns Mets brass and fans may have had afterwards. “I’m feeling good,” Santana said, “What happened last spring had nothing to do with the surgery I had. At this point I feel way ahead of what I was last year at this point. I can’t wait to be in spring training and see where we are at.’’
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The plan for Santana is similar to what it was last season, as the team and pitcher hope to reach a pitch count of 90 by the time the season begins.
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After throwing in front of Mets officials and coaches, Santana was very friendly with GM Omar Minaya. Minaya, who has recently been under fire regarding the Carlos Beltran situation, orchestrated the deal and extension that brought Santana to Queens two offseasons ago.
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Santana threw in front of Mets rehab specialist Chris Correnti. Correnti spoke with Santana in between pitches. Santana is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2009 and duplicate his success from 2008 where he was 16-7 with a 2.53 ERA.
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Santana and the rest of the Mets seemed to be in good spirits as he is seen here clowning around with hitting coach Howard Johnson.
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