The Full Count: Johan Santana for Cy Young

1. Unhittable: Pitching in Minnesota, Johan Santana doesn’t get as much credit as he would if he played for a large-market team. But he deserves more, as he proved once again in yesterday’s 6-3 win over the Dodgers. Santana pitched seven shutout innings and only allowed two hits en route to improving to 9-4 on the year. Despite a slow start, he leads the AL in strikeouts, innings pitched, ERA, and WHIP. His 2.59/.96 in the latter two categories would be even better if he pitched in the National League, where there is no DH. Santana already has one Cy Young, and if continues this production he’ll have to expand his trophy case. Is there anyone out there who still thinks Chicago’s Jose Contreras should start in the All Star game for the AL?

2. Finally, a win: The St. Louis Cardinals hadn’t been able to buy a win in Interleague play, losing their first 8 games against the AL. They finally won one yesterday, defeating the Indians 5-4. Chris Carpenter followed a shaky start last week with a solid 7-inning, one run performance. But the bullpen blew it for him, allowing 3 runs in the eighth to let the Indians take the lead. But the Cardinals prevailed because of a Jhonny Peralta throwing error in the 9th inning. They escaped with the win and still have the NL Central lead.

3. A new homerun leader: Though the Phillies lost yesterday to the Orioles (twice), at least they got something out of it. Ryan Howard, their slugging first baseman, blasted two homeruns to up his total to 27 on the year. He passed Albert Pujols in the process for the major league lead, the first time since early April that Pujols didn’t have at least a share of the lead. The dual solo shots gave Howard 68 RBIs on the year; he is second to Lance Berkman’s 70 in that category. Howard will likely be one of four Phillies voted to the All Star game; teammates Bobby Abreu, Chase Utley, and Tom Gordon should all make the team.

4. Welcome back: The fans at Fenway Park gave a good greeting to Pedro Martinez, who hadn’t pitched there since leaving Boston in 2004. Unfortunately for the Mets, the Red Sox offense didn’t welcome him as well. Pedro was tagged for 8 runs in 3 innings in one of the worst performances of his lengthy career. Alex Gonzalez homered for the second straight game and Josh Beckett picked up his 10th win for the Red Sox. Boston has now won 11 games in a row and is undefeated against the National League. Both teams now have 47 wins and each leads their respective division.

5. End of his career?: Brett Myers has plenty of problems to deal with right now to say the least. Myers, Philadelphia’s best pitcher, is charged with hitting his wife in the face. His court date is August 4, and it is unlikely he will be pitching anytime soon. Myers was placed on the inactive list and sent down to Class A Clearwater yesterday. He almost certainly won’t pitch for the minor-league team, but the move will allow Philly to add another pitcher to its roster. Righthander Adam Bernero, who has pitched in the majors for multiple teams in his career, has been called up and will probably start on Friday.