Wed Feb 6 14:04:50 2008

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Mets introduce Santana

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Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Mets held a press conference on Wednesday to introduce their newest acquisition, two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana.

The Mets acquired Santana last week from the Minnesota Twins, who were unable to work out a contract extension with the left-hander, for prospects Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber. The deal was pending on the two sides agreeing to a contract extension, which occurred last Friday to the tune of $137.5 million over six years.

"It's a great day for New York baseball," said Mets general manager Omar Minaya. "I am very excited today. As a general manager this is what you work for, to provide excellence and the highest standards possible to the fans. We are looking forward to the 2008 season."

Santana is coming off his worst season since becoming a full-time starter. He ended the 2007 campaign 15-13 with a 3.33 earned run average, but was just 5-7 with a 4.04 ERA after the All-Star break, allowing 88 hits (16 of which were home runs) over 98 innings.

However, since becoming a full-time starter four years ago, Santana has been incredible, winning 70 games for Minnesota in that time, while pitching to a splendid 2.89 ERA with 983 strikeouts.

"This is a pleasure for me and my family to be a part of the Mets family," said Santana. "I want to thank everyone for bringing me here. It's a pleasure being here and I am looking forward to contributing. I'm going to make my time here special."

In 2006, Santana won the second of his Cy Young awards and became the first American League pitcher in seven seasons to win pitching's Triple Crown, leading the league in wins (19), ERA (2.77) and strikeouts (245).

He also won the award in 2004, going 20-6 and leading the league with a 2.61 ERA and a career-best 265 strikeouts.

Santana, who will turn 29 in March, joins a rotation that includes three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez, giving New York a potentially potent 1-2 combination.

"This team has the right pieces to go all the way and I am very excited about it," said Santana. "I'll be ready for Opening Day and I am looking forward to having some fun here."

The Mets are coming off a disastrous finish to the 2007 season, having blown a seven-game lead with 17 games to play.