Johan Santana: Would Pirates Take a Flyer?

Feb 21, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana (57) poses for a picture during photo day at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Back in early December, the Pirates requested Johan Santana’s medicals and the Pirates reportedly met with Santana’s camp to talk about the southpaws progress in his rehab.  But then in January, Santana felt discomfort in his throwing arm and pushed back his goal of being ready to go prior to the 2014 Opening Day.

Now Santana’s goal is to be ready prior to June 1 and it seems like he still has some work to do to return to form.

The one time Mets ace worked out in front of seven teams Tuesday.   We read that the Yankees and Twins were two of the teams, we aren’t sure if the Pirates were on hand.  [confirmed, Pirates were in attendance]  Back in December the following teams wanted to take a close look:  Reports said the teams were the Mets, Rays, Royals, Brewers, Pirates and Orioles.

The Orioles?  How in the world would he ever pass a physical?  Especially after Santana topped out on the radar gun at 81 mph in his most recent work.  A NY Post report said he sat between 77 and 78 but mixed in an impressive changeup which he has always been noted to have.  http://nypost.com/2014/02/25/santana-barely-cracks-80-mph-in-workout-with-yankees/

You might remember Santana being the only Mets pitcher to ever throw a no-hitter.   It was a lengthy outing and some are pointing to that date as the one that changed Santana once and for all.  The 34-year old Santana, who turns 35 in the middle of March is close friends with Francisco Liriano.

It’s hard seeing the Pirates finding a spot for the former Cy Young winner, but a minor league deal might be worth a shot.  Especially if the velocity can rise and should the Pirates feel they are somehow short on pitching come mid-season.