Johan Santana Sets Twins Record [David Stefanini]

Johan Santana looked untouchable during yesterdays 1-0 win over the Rangers. Its not that Johan looked untouchable, he literally was. He pitched 8 innings and gave up only 2 hits, but that's not the big story. The story is he struck out 17 batters in those 8 innings. Yes, 17 K's in 8 innings. That is a new career high for him, and sets a Minnesota Twin's record. When I heard Johan was pitching a game like this, I went to MLBTV to watch the rest of the game. I found myself, like many other people, yelling at my computer for Santana to come out and go for 20 K's. However, when you think about it, its a good decision to take him out. There is no need to press him for another innings when you have a great closer who is ready to close the game. This marks the 37th time in his young career that Santana has struck out at least 10 batters. His 17 strikeout performance put him in 2nd in strikeouts this season only behind Erik Bedard.

Can you imagine if Santana was on a team that played in New York? Or for that matter any team that had a lineup that could produce runs? Santana would win 20 games easily every year. Instead he has to go out and if he gives up a run or two, he is in serious jeopardy of losing the game. I think Johan should demand a trade in the off season. The Twins will be able to name their price for Johan. It's only fair that he gets on a team that can support him and his talent.