Don't Panic

July 7, 2004: 18 starts, 7-5, 3.89 ERA with 29 BB & 125 K’s
July 7, 2005: 18 starts, 7-5, 3.98 ERA with 26 BB & 143 K’s

The above is Johan Santana's stats at this time both this year and last year. Their striking similarities say one thing to me: DON'T PANIC.

Johan has recently been suffering with his control. He has walked more and more hitters as the season has progressed:

BB/Month

April: 3
May: 7
June: 11
July: 5 (so far)

This has also lead to a constantly increasing ERA. Johan has an ERA of 5.84 thus far in July. Now this is only two starts, so it is most likely going to drop. DON'T PANIC.

These numbers have worried some Twins fans, but I am not worried. Johan is NOT a one year wonder. His strikeout totals are still sky high and his ERA will get lower. Players go into funks as often as they get hot. It is the eb and flow of a season. Johan has his control problems at the moment, but he will regain it. The ERA will then start dropping and you worrisome fans will stop worrying.

July 7, 2004: 18 starts, 7-5, 3.89 ERA with 29 BB & 125 K’s
July 7, 2005: 18 starts, 7-5, 3.98 ERA with 26 BB & 143 K’s

18 starts does not a season make.

DON'T PANIC