NEW YORK (Reuters) - Johan Santana, the Mets' new $137.5 million pitcher, got a taste of how New York honors its championship teams with the parade for Super Bowl-winning New York Giants and wants his turn.
"I want to win the World Series," the Venezuelan left-hander told reporters on Wednesday after donning his "57" uniform top for the first time in Mets' pinstripes.
"This team has everything it takes to go all the way. New York is the capital of the world and a great baseball city."
Santana said he watched the Giants' parade through the "Canyon of Heroes" on television.
"I'm looking forward for us to celebrate that way too, big time. Hopefully that time will be soon and we will be able to bring that happiness to the city."
The Mets dealt four prospects to the fiscally-challenged Minnesota Twins and were given the chance to negotiate a long-term contract with the 2004 and 2006 Cy Young Award winner as best pitcher in the American League.
New York added Santana to the fold after agreeing on a record-setting, five-year extension that will keep the talented lefty with Mets through the 2013 season.
Santana, who will turn 29 on March 13, had a career record of 93-44 with a 3.22 ERA with the Twins. In 1,308 2/3 innings, he allowed 1,068 hits, struck out 1,381 strikeouts and held opposing batters to a .221 batting average.
ELATED RANDOLPH
The Venezuelan with the devastating change-up joins a starting rotation that includes three-times Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez, a 36-year-old coming off injury.
"I'm elated," said Mets manager Willie Randolph, who would not be pinned down as to his opening day starter.
"I've got two legitimate stoppers. I have a while to think about that. I have a choice to make, but it will be a pleasant choice."
Randolph said he expected Santana to have big-time success against National League hitters unaccustomed to his pitches.
"I talked with Pedro a couple of nights ago and he conveyed a tremendous respect for him," Randolph said.
The New York manager did not think Santana would have much trouble adjusting to a new league.
"I think he just has to stay with what he's been doing," said Randolph. "When you're a great pitcher like Johan, he will be dictating. As far as the hitters, the unknown is a great thing. Usually when pitchers go to different leagues they have the upper hand."
The Mets and Santana hope his presence will save New York from a disappointment like last year when they became the first team to squander a seven-game lead with 17 games to play, overtaken by the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East crown.
"You don't want to go through all those kinds of things," Santana said. "It's too bad for them. I wasn't here. I'm looking forward to help and not let that happen again."
Randolph thinks Santana's change-up will do the trick.
"It's almost like the ball does a moon walk," the manager said. "It gets there and seems like it starts to back up.
"He has great motion, throws everything from the same spot. It looks like a fastball. All of sudden when it gets halfway to home plate it stops and starts backing up and hitters are way out in front."
(Editing by Rex Gowar)
