The Mets Need to Score More Runs for Johan Santana

Two years ago, the Minnesota Twins were heading toward a major dilemma as their two biggest stars, Johan Santana and Justin Morneau both were going to become free agents in the winter of 2008. At least one of them wouldn't be resigned because the Twins are a small market team.

So, on January 29, 2008, the Twins decided to trade Santana to the New York Mets in exchange for Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra. Several days later, the Mets and Santana agreed to a six-year, $137.5 million contract.

In his first year with the Mets, Santana finished 16-7, with a league leading 2.53 ERA, and he finished third in the NL Cy Young voting for that season. However, he would have had better numbers if the bullpen didn't blow so many leads in his starts, and that was a major reason why the Mets weren't able to get to the postseason.

But during the end of the season, Santana pitched two gems against the Cubs and Marlins that almost kept them in the race to the postseason with a torn Meniscus in his left knee.

Now, we are in 2009, and again, Santana has been one of the best, if not the best, pitcher in baseball, but has had one major problem that also plagued him last season: The Mets don't play their best baseball when Santana is pitching, mainly because they know he is such a great pitcher.

This year, the Mets have averaged two runs per start, which is by far the lowest on the team. Also, their defense and, once again, their bullpen have already blown three of Santana's starts, accounting for two of his losses.

So far this year, Santana has pitched 46 innings, with 31 hits allowed, and 13 walks. He also has 60 strikeouts and an amazing 0.78 ERA, both of which are leading the league in their respective categories.

The Mets should know that they are going to eventually have to score more runs and play better behind Santana because it would help him and the team win more games.

Finally, the Mets have to stop relying on the fact that Johan Santana is the best pitcher in baseball because if they do, they will miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season.