Santana Retears Shoulder Capsule, May Need Surgery

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

VIERA, Fla. — The Mets were dealt a fairly serious blow when they learned that two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana tore his left shoulder capsule for the second time in three years.

While nothing is set in stone at this point in time, a second surgery on Santana’s throwing shoulder is “a strong possibility” according to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson. Another shoulder surgery would almost certainly bring an end to Santana’s tenure in New York and could threaten to bring his career to an abrupt end as well.

The 34-year old left-hander missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing surgery to repair his torn left shoulder capsule for the first time in 2010.

After a long and arduous journey back to the majors, Santana appeared to be back to his old form, going 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA from Opening Day of the 2012 season through his 134-pitch no-hitter against the Cardinals on June 1. After that, he struggled mightily, posting a 3-7 record and an 8.27 ERA over his final 10 starts.

Santana has been one of the most gifted pitchers of his time, going 111-51 with a 2.88 ERA from 2003-2009 with the Twins and Mets before his body began to show signs of wear.

Once regarded as one of former general manager Omar Minaya’s best acquisitions, Santana never really lived up to his mountainous expectations, undergoing knee surgery in 2008 and elbow surgery in 2009 prior to his shoulder operation in 2010.

With Santana out, the Mets will look to right-hander Jeremy Hefner to fill his spot in the rotation…that is, until prospect Zack Wheeler, one of the most talented pitchers in the Minor Leagues, gets the call.

Niese Named Opening Day Starter

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — With New York ace Johan Santana set to begin the season on the disabled list with what is being described as shoulder weakness, skipper Terry Collins has decided to give the Opening Day nod to left-hander Jon Niese.

Niese’s development continued along nicely last season as he posted career highs in just about every statistical category, finishing the year with a 3.40 ERA while registering 155 punch outs in 190 1/3 innings pitched.

Also factoring in the decision is the strong Spring Training that Niese has put together thus far. Up to this point, he has pitched to a 0.71 ERA, the best mark in baseball.

“I’m really excited, obviously, for getting this opportunity,” Niese said. “I want to thank the Mets for putting the trust in me to have this opportunity. But I’m going to treat it as any other start.”

The game will mark the first Opening Day start of Niese’s career. If Niese is able to seize the opportunity and put together another solid season this year, it may not be his last Opening Day start either.

David Wright Named Team Captain

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Just a few days after earning the nickname “Captain America” from his colleagues on the team representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic, Mets’ third baseman David Wright was named just the fourth team captain in franchise history by team management and his teammates.

“This is probably one of the proudest days of my career so far,” Wright said. “I’m honored and very proud to be on that short list of guys that have been considered captain of this franchise. For me, it’s a dream come true, to say the least.”

It was a forgone conclusion that Wright would eventually be named captain after he signed an eight-year, $138 million contract that will keep him in a Mets’ uniform through 2020.

In a true display of personal character however, Wright would not accept the title without the consent of his fellow players. As a result, Wright went up to each and every one of his peers in the clubhouse and personally asked them if they would accept him as their captain.

“There’s nobody better to choose as a captain,” first baseman Ike Davis said. “He’s a professional on and off the field.”

The six-time All-Star, who also claimed two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers during his career, joins Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter and John Franco as the only captains in team history.

Wright also joins Derek Jeter of the Yankees and Paul Konerko of the White Sox as the only active captains in baseball and, like them, will not wear the large “C” that signifies captain status on his uniform.

“David is not a guy who wears it on his sleeve, which probably relates to the ‘C’ on the uniform and the fact that it won’t be there,” general manager Sandy Alderson said. “He’s not somebody who is a captain in title alone. It’s really about the substance underneath the title.”   

Mets' Interest in Valverde on the Decline

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Despite the latest medical setback for incumbent Mets’ closer Frank Francisco, the team does not appear any closer to bringing in reliever Jose Valverde.

Francisco, who struggled at times to close out games last year, underwent surgery in December to remove a bone spur from his throwing elbow and reported to Spring Training with inflammation in the joint and now questions surround his Opening Day status.

Not happy with Francisco’s conditioning, rumors swirled earlier this offseason that the 34-year-old Valverde was drawing serious interest from the Mets to become the team’s new closer.

The veteran right hander finished 3-4 with 35 saves in 40 chances last season for the Tigers before losing his role as closer during the playoffs.

At this point, Terry Collins and the Mets’ brass seem content heading into Spring Training with Bobby Parnell holding the closer role while Josh Edgin and Brandon Lyon will be the primary setup options.

If Parnell struggles in this role as he has when given similar opportunities in the past, or if the bullpen suffers any significant injuries during camp, Valverde could receive more serious consideration.

Brandon Lyon Comes South of the Border

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — The Mets further improved the back end of the bullpen when the team agreed to terms with right-hander Brandon Lyon on a one-year contract that could be worth up to $2.4 million if the veteran reaches a few incentives throughout the year.

The 33-year-old Lyon pitched to a 3.10 ERA with 9.3 K/9 in 61 innings of relief last season for the Astros and Blue Jays. He showed that he still has good stuff, averaging about 90 mph with his fastball.

With the signing of Lyon, the Mets’ bullpen is starting to take shape. Veterans LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Atchison and Pedro Feliciano are favorites to make the team while Bobby Parnell and Lyon will look to bridge the gap to Frank Francisco in the ninth.

The final spot in the pen will most likely come down to Josh Edgin or Jeremy Hefner.

GM Sandy Alderson said that the acquisition of Lyon signals the end of additions to the Mets’ major league roster for the upcoming season. That is, unless they are able to strike a deal with free agent centerfielder Michael Bourn, which seems increasingly possible as the days go by.