Last year when Johan Santana tossed the first no-hitter in Mets history, Terry Collins was moved to tears by the display. Many had comments about Collins’ emotional reaction to Santana’s achievement. Even though this was a big day for the Mets organization, people said Collins didn’t have enough history with the club to be moved to tears. Some even went as far as making fun of him for it.
Now it has become a little clearer that maybe those tears had nothing to do with the club’s long history without a no-no until that day. Maybe Collins knew then what we are learning now. Johan was a lot closer to the end than anyone was willing to admit. Collins saw one last moment of greatness for one of the greats cut down by injury.
The Mets just broke the news that Santana has yet another tear in his pitching shoulder and his season is likely over. He will spend the entire year strengthening and rehabbing from his latest injury. But now the question is: is it worth it? Will Santana see the need in another difficult rehabilitation if another injury could be imminent. This latest shoulder tear could spell the end of Santana’s career.
Met fans can’t be mad at him either. You can be pissed at the situation and you can be disappointed that his Mets tenure was ultimately a bust. But comparing him to say Carl Pavano’s Yankee tenure would be inaccurate. Santana is a competitor. He’s a guy that gives 110% on the field and when he is trying to come back from an injury, he gives even more. His determination is something that has never been called into question. However, when talking about him, you can’t help but wonder what might have been if he could just stay healthy.
