TweetCap: Johan throws bullpen session; Terry Collins pleased

Yesterday afternoon at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, New York Mets starter Johan Santana threw 25 pitches off a mound for the first time this Spring.  Santana, who missed the entire 2010 season recovering from surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder, threw in front of Mets manager Terry Collins, general manager Sandy Alderson and pitching coach Dan Warthen; as well as some NY beat reporters. Here is what was said from those who were there to witness:

Johan Santana appears in better overall shape than last year. Slimmed down a bit.

February 17, 2012 1:14 pm via UberSocial for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@SurfingTheMets

Andy Martino

Johan survived his bullpen. TC quite pleased. Santana will pitch again on Tuesday, barring any unforeseen setbacks.

February 17, 2012 1:34 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@McCulloughSL

Andy McCullough

Terry Collins very pleased with Santana's session. Santana will go again Tuesday.

February 17, 2012 1:34 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite

@AdamRubinESPN

Adam Rubin

Santana's next bullpen session is sheds led for Tuesday.

February 17, 2012 1:37 pm via UberSocial for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@SurfingTheMets

Andy Martino

Johan Santana: "I’m getting back to what I used to be."

February 17, 2012 2:09 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@McCulloughSL

Andy McCullough

Johan threw 25 pitches today and worked on location. He expects to pitch again on Tuesday @johansantana

February 17, 2012 2:14 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@Mets

New York Mets

Johan: It was great to get on the mound...I feel much better than I did last year...I am excited to be on the mound & start competing.

February 17, 2012 2:15 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@Mets

New York Mets

Santana: "We’ll see how it feels tomorrow. Tomorrow is definitely an important day, and we’ll see how I recover."

February 17, 2012 3:01 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@SurfingTheMets

Andy Martino

Following his mound session Santana said the following, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York:

I finally had a chance to get on the mound and throw to a catcher, to Thole, and I felt really good. The approach that we had from the beginning was to do everything like I always do to get ready for the season. For me, it’s about time to get on the mound and start throwing. And I was able to throw all of my pitches and it felt good after that.”

According to Rubin, Collins said he was so impressed with Santana  that the manager lightheartedly told the southpaw, “Don’t s— me, you’ve been throwing.”

Obviously we have to make an adjustment on a daily basis, as we did last year with Carlos. But you saw the smile on [Santana's] face. You don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on? It’s a huge step for us. It’s a big day for him. Now it’s just gradually moving forward and building him up.”

As Martino stated on Twitter,the day following a throw day for Santana will be the most important:

All spring with Santana, the day/days after an appearance will be the thing to watch.

February 17, 2012 3:02 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@SurfingTheMets

Andy Martino

For now, I will be happy that Santana threw, felt no pain, and look good to those who watched.