Baby Mets Happy to See Santana in Blue and Orange

When Johan Santana was dealt to the Mets for a handful of prospects on Jan. 29, the entire team’s fan base jumped for joy. Still sour after the team’s collapse down the stretch last season, fans now believe the team has the good to get to the World Series for the first time since 2000.

However, regardless of how happy the fans are, some of the Mets youngsters are even happier about the deal and can’t wait to see him in Spring Training.

“I’m going to try and learn as much as I can from him. Just being near him, I think I’m going to be humbled,” said Mets farmhand Dan McDonald, who spent last season with the Brooklyn Cyclones as the teams set up man and closer. “I think he can help take this organization to the World Series.”

Working on a changeup to compliment a solid fastball, cutter and slider, Will Morgan, another reliever who played in Brooklyn last season, can’t wait to get tips from one of the best pitchers in the business.

“I used to watch him throw a lot on TV when I was younger and I couldn’t believe how filthy he was,” he said. “He has a 96 mile an hour fastball and an 82 mile an hour changeup. As a hitter, that’s just not fair. They don’t stand a chance up there. Santana is an amazing pitcher. I still can’t believe they got him. I’m going to miss (Kevin) Mulvey (one of the players the Mets gave up in the deal), he was a funny guy, but Santana is the real deal.”

However, there was one Cyclone who had to wait before he could enjoy the fruits of the transaction.

“I think I was one of those guys that was in the mix to be traded [for him],” said pitcher Dylan Owen, who won the Sterling Award as the Cyclones best player last season. “It would have been hard to start all over again in another organization. I had a great time here last year in this organization and I really want to prove myself here. I’m happy I still have that chance.”