The Mets were victorious over the Marlins today by a score of 7-2. Johan Santana got the win for the Mets. Mark Hendrickson took the loss for the Marlins. For a full recap, head on over to MLB.com.

A few notes:

• Santana pitched seven innings of two run ball, allowing three hits and striking out eight
• David Wright had a three run double in a six run fourth inning
• Matt Wise, Jorge Sosa, and Scott Schoeneweis combined to pitch a scoreless eighth
• Carlos Beltran 2-5 with two doubles.
• Jose Reyes added two hits but was caught stealing in the 5th.

The same two teams will battle it out again tomorrow night starting at 7:10 ET. The pitchers will be Pedro Martinez and Rick VandenHurk.

Gotham Baseball is asking its readers to choose the next cover of their magazine, featuring Johan Santana. Head over to Gotham to take a look at the three covers up for nomination and pick the one you would like to see chosen.

Earlier this afternoon NY Observer journalist Howard Megdal and I did a half hour Gotham Baseball Live. Howard highlighted his conversation with Johan Santana, gave his take on the injury situation, and who he thinks will earn the final roster spots. He will also respond to some of Mike’s assessment of the team from earlier in the week. To listen to the replay click here .

The Mets lost to the Cardinals by a score of 10-3 this afternoon in St. Lucie. Johan Santana was shaky, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits, while striking out 5. For a full recap, head on over to MLB.com.

A few notes:

• Luis Castillo went 0-1 with 2 walks in his return from the lineup from offseason knee surgery.
• Carlos Delgado finally broke out of his mini slump, with a home run in 3 ABs.
• Angel Pagan continues his hot spring, going 1-2 and is hitting .385
• Ricardo Rincon essentially fried his chance of making the team, allowing 4 runs in a third of an inning.
• Billy Wagner pitched a spotless seventh and his ERA is now under 2 for the spring.
• Joe Smith allowed 2 runs in his 1 inning of work.
• Aaron Heilman pitched a scorelesss 9th, and was helped out by nice DP turned by Anderson Hernandez.

Pedro Martinez makes his first start for the Mets tomorrow in St Lucie against the Tigers.

In an article for SI.com, Jon Heyman explains that weeks before the Mets acquired Johan Santana, the Texas Rangers came very close to a deal for the star pitcher. Many believe that Santana’s unwillingness to go a bad team and pitch in a hitter’s ballpark played a major part in the deal falling through.

Who could blame Johan for not wanting to go to Texas? That might be one of the worst 5 teams to be on right now..

The Mets tied the Red Sox this afternoon by a score of 1-1 in 10 innings. Johan Santana pitched brilliantly, allowing 2 hits in 4 innings, while striking out four.

• Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado went 0-3 and 0-2 respectively in their returns to the lineup
• David Wright and Jose Reyes had a hit each, and are both batting under .250 for the spring.

Only Spring..

• Matt Wise pitched a perfect inning, and his spring ERA still stands at 0.00

The Mets reeled in their fifth straight win today with another walk off win against the Dodgers. 2B Anderson Hernandez won it with a hit down the line in the 9th. Joe Smith got the win for the Mets, and Tom Martin took the loss for the Dodgers.

A few notes

Johan Santana pitched 3 innings of 1 run ball, striking out four.

Hernandez, who could make the team if Ruben Gotay goes down with an injury, went 3-5 including the game winner.

“Teenage Hitting Machine” continued his nice spring showing, going 2-3 including a double.

Tomorrow the Mets travel to Viera to play the Nationals. Pedro Martinez is scheduled to make his first start of the spring.

Right now, the Mets are facing off against the LA Dodgers.  Johan Santana takes his 2nd start of the spring, facing off against Brad Penny. 

Notables starting for the Mets include Jose Reyes, David Wright and Fernando Martinez.

To chat during the game, head over to the Hot Foot Bleachers.

The New York Times created a brilliant graphical study of Johan Santana’s change up.

You can view it here.

Hat tip to Hot Foot Jr. for the link.