"Maybe Johan Santana will throw a few garbage-time innings for the Mets this month, and maybe he will not. For the team, there is a question of far greater significance, one that could determine their relevance next year: Can he return to his place at the top of the rotation?

In a division stuffed with Halladays and Lees and Hudsons and Strasburgs and Johnsons, no team can compete with a staff composed of no. 3 starters. The Mets' hope rests on a left shoulder that underwent major surgery on Sept 14, 2010 - and by the time pitchers and catchers gather in Port St. Lucie, the team expects Santana to be a rotation member in full.

The erstwhile ace threw bullpen a session Monday afternoon, before the Mets defeated Florida, 7-4, in twelve innings. The game followed a 74-minute rain delay, and was extended when Bobby Parnell allowed Mike Cameron to knock a two-out double in the ninth, squandering a two-run lead. It was Parnell's fourth blown save in nine chances."