Johan Santana Set to Return for New York Mets, Could Bring Value This Season

Johan Santana's time with the New York Mets might still have somewhat of a purpose as the left-hander took the mound throwing and is getting himself ready like it's any other season of his career.

But it isn't. Santana has the chance to pitch in a MLB game for the first time since 2010.

At this point, it's nowhere near a definite that Santana will even be ready for the start of the season, but getting him on the field would be an achievement in itself and could end up paying off for a team without much to look forward to this year.

Santana has been the type of talent you go to the ballpark to see. It's unclear if he'll ever be that again, but just the possibilities of what his return could bring will be a draw.

That will bring some much needed excitement to Citi Field this season.

And, baseball gods willing, if Santana can prove to still have enough left to be a quality starter in the MLB, the Mets might be able to have another team pick up a portion of his gigantic contract while receiving a few solid prospects in the process.

There's no doubt that scenario is completely up in the air. It's funny to think that Santana is questionable to even make his first start on time this season yet there were people screaming for him to get a start at the end of last.

No matter what, Santana is coming to the end of the road to recovery and I expect to see him take the mound for the Mets in 2012.