Johan Santana Unsure If He'll Pitch in WBC

Following doctors' orders, Santana has focused his offseason conditioning work on bike riding in order to keep pressure off his knee. He said he'll be examined by trainers in a week and he expects to begin throwing next week — about the same time as usual.

"I'm not trying to rush anything up," he said. "I've been doing everything the way that I've done in the past."

Maybe even a little extra.

"Because now I have to worry about my knee," he said.

Santana is the ace of a Mets rotation that also includes Mike Pelfrey, John Maine and perhaps newcomer Tim Redding. New York pursued free-agent starter Derek Lowe but was outbid by Atlanta.

"I don't think this is the end of the world," Santana said. "I'm pretty sure Omar is still working and still trying to improve our rotation. ... He still has some time to get some other guys."

Santana would like to see the Mets re-sign lefty Oliver Perez.

"I think Oliver is a pitcher who learned a lot from last year. Hopefully, Omar will find a way to keep him because he's matured a lot," Santana said. "I think he learned that every game is important. ... He's not just a great guy, a great teammate, but he's going to be a great pitcher."

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