The American League Should Be Very Scared

Everybody knows that Johan Santana is the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. Anyone who says different, no offense, is an idiot. Sorry, but it's true.

If Johan has ever had a fault it's been that he's generally a slow starter. Ever since 2004 when Johan became a full time starter (he started 2003 in the Twins pen), April hasn't been that kind to him. He's 6-3 with a 4.70 ERA the last three seasons in April. Yes, I know, not exactly horrible numbers, but this is Johan Santana we're talking about. Keep in mind this is a guy who's career record is 78-31 with a 3.20 ERA. Santana's problem in April has always been his changeup, which normally takes him about 4-5 starts before he gets it right.

Not this year.

Johan's changeup is in mid-season form this spring which could mean American League hitters will be in for a long season.

"Before, you could see that my changeup wasn't there at this point of spring, but it's there now," Santana said. "I also have a good feeling about the mechanics. I'm working on my legs and stretching every day. That's why I'm feeling comfortable and am able to throw everything. I'm feeling much better at this point than in past years."

So let's see, in the last few years Santana has never won fewer than 16 games, and never had an ERA higher than 2.88, but he feels even better this year. Let's just start engraving the name Johan Santana on this season's AL Cy Young Award now, and save everybody some time.