Who's Laughing Now: Johan Santana Named Opening Day Starter For New York Mets

Defying all odds, the Mets' prediction of a Johan Santana-pitched Opening Day at CitiField may actually come true. According to Adam Rubin, the Mets and Santana are confident enough to announce he will be the starting pitcher this Thursday.

After throwing an intensive bullpen session Saturday, New York Mets left-hander Johan Santana walked by manager Terry Collins and proclaimed: "You've got your pitcher for Thursday."

A day later, after Santana met with general manager Sandy Alderson, Collins and the rest of the rotation Sunday morning inside the manager's office, that proclamation was affirmed.

Santana will be held on a pitch count of around 95 pitches and manager Terry Collins has noted that the April schedule will allow Santana to ease his way back slowly.

There are still a few days for this to blow up in New York's face but it looks like something good is finally happening to the Mets.

[Looks at publish date]

Unless... Johan Santana to start Mets' opener [ESPN]