And the arm is still attached...

          Yes, Johan Santana came back from major elbow surgery and proved me wrong, he is still a MLB pitcher. I would go as far to say that if he were unable to pitch again, Johan would spend an off-season in the cages and in the field to earn a spot on the roster. One thing everyone can be sure of is this guy is a competitor. In his first Major League start since 2010 he managed 5 IP, gave up only 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5.

          More impressive than his stats was his ability to power through with what he has. The days where his fastball sits around 92 are behind him, who knows maybe he doesn't touch 92 at all this year or for the rest of his career. Regardless, this man knows how to pitch. He knows that his real bread and butter isn't the speed at which he throws his fastball but rather the speed differential between his fastball and change-up.That differential is something I thought would be diminished with his loss of fastball velocity. However, in true Santana fashion he has proven more than just me wrong.

          With regards to his change-up there is much that has, um...well, changed. In 2010 his change-up sat where is pretty much always has, at about 81-83 MPH. This year however that same pitch is sitting at 77 or 78 which unlike 2010 keeps his differential at around 10-11 MPH, something he has done throughout his career. IT will be interesting to see if he can continue to fool hitters with his Glavine-esque pitching style going forward. I for one hope he can as I enjoy his spirit and competitive nature.


*Update - Make that back to back very good outings for Johan. Looking good thus far.