Johan Santana hits streets, greets Met fans after passing physical

Daily News—NEW YORK—February 3, 2008 

On Super Bowl weekend, the Mets and their fans officially can dream of a return to the World Series in October.

One day after requiring extra innings to complete his record-setting contract extension, new ace Johan Santana passed a lengthy physical in Manhattan Saturday, eliminating the final obstacle to the bombshell trade that the Mets hope will eradicate memories of their 2007 collapse and vault them back to favorite status in the National League this season.

Santana, who will be feted at an introductory press conference at Shea on Wednesday, arrived at Hospital for Special Surgery Saturday around 8:15 a.m. in a dark luxury SUV, and after passing his extensive physical exam, the lefty departed about five hours later through an off-limits back exit, avoiding reporters and photographers who had been waiting for him for much of the morning.

Read the full story in the Daily News and the New York Post.