John Harper of the New York Daily News was given the opportunity to catch for Johan Santana this week. "This is for real," said Santana to Harper. "I'm bouncing my slider with (Ryan) Howard up there. Got your cup on?" Santana realizes much of New York's 2010 chances rest with him. "I know this team is looking for me to lead the way, and I'm up to the challenge," he says. "That's why they brought me here. We all know what happened last year. We couldn't stay healthy. But I really believe the pieces are in place, that you are going to see guys like Ollie (Perez) and (Mike) Pelfrey and (John) Maine pitch at a high level this season. "Even a guy like (Kelvim) Escobar. He's healthy again and I've known him a long time, I know how he can pitch and I know the mentality he brings. He's tough. We need to have that toughness around. We need to build our confidence up again and then if we stay healthy, I believe we'll have a great year."