Johan Santana is not only the man, he’s A man. That was the best pitching performance in the history of the franchise. I don’t want to hear about Seaver and 10 Ks in a row or Gooden on a random Friday night – that my friends was as clutch as clutch gets.
It would be the most clutch performance in franchise history if not for something called Game 6.
After all the Bonillas and Glavines and Four Inning Pedros – finally they pay someone to be the man, and he asks for the ball, says gimme the ball and don’t come get me – and hands in a hell of a game.
The Ace of Aces.
Now tomorrow can go several ways – it might be one of the most amazing days in Shea Stadium history – or we might be booing the snot out of the bullpen and grumpy all through the post-game. Maybe we’ll have to come back Monday for Game 163. Thanks to The Ace any of these is a possibility.
They might as well hang a #57 on the wall tomorrow. I don’t care if this guy sucks for the next 5 seasons. I don’t care if his arm falls off and he pulls a Pavano. This was an all-time Mets performance – again not just the performance, but the requesting of the ball – and for that he will forever be loved.
….
Congratulations Phillies. You earned it.
Tomorrow morning at 8 www.metspolice.com will reveal the results of the Dopiest Moment In Shea Stadium History poll. Today is too feel good to get bitchy.
Every time I come to this site you lose more and more credibility. First, you really have to get off the 4-inning Pedro thing, it’s really unbecoming and has no basis. Second, 1999, Game 163, Al Leiter. Look it up.
I disagree – Leiter’s performance was clutch, BUT nowhere near Sanatana’s for a few reasons:
1. Leiter had a strong pen behind him. They had Wendell, Cook, Franco, and Benitez. Who did Sanatana have? Nobody
2. By the 3rd inning, Leiter had a 3-0 lead. Santana only had a 1-0 lead
3. MOST importantly, Leiter was pitching on regular rest, and had only thrown 104 pitches (in 7 inn) in his prior start. Santana had thrown 125 pitches and was throwing on only 3 days rest.
Bottom line, Leiter had support behind him, had more run support, and was more rested. No contest
No contest?! Really?! That just baffles me.
You said look up that 99 game – I did and gave you 3 reasons why – though it was a great game – it wasn’t as clutch as Santana’s performance. I went through the box score – did I miss something? If so just let me know.
Granted, it was a great performance, but to claim it was the best without question is where I’m baffled. Five, 10, or 15 years from now will people remember a game that didn’t result in the Mets making the playoffs or one that did?
In 1999, Leiter pitched a complete game shutout against a strong 96 win Cincinnati team in their stadium. Santana pitched at home against an 84 win, 3rd place, team. The fact that Leiter had a good, not great, pen doesn’t come into the equation since they were not needed. And since when does having Benitez in the pen make it strong, he blew 6 saves that season.
Also, I just picked out the Leiter performance off the top of my head. I’m sure with a little research into NY Mets history, other games that match or beat out the performance of Santana will come to light.
In the end, I think a little perspective (i.e., time) will decide which was better.
Agree with “K” – the Leiter game was more impressive than Johan’s. He was facing a better lineup (by a hair) fighting for the playoffs.
Also, see Bobby Jones’ 1-hit shutout in the 2000 playoffs against the Jeff Kent-Barry Bonds Giants. If the Mets lose Game 4, they have to go back to San Fran for Game 5.
This all said – Johan is the/A man!