When Sandy Alderson outlined a comeback plan for Johan Santana at the outset of spring training, he identified May 1 as the approximate date when the ace would step on a mound for the first time. The GM may be very close to nailing the date.

Dan Warthen would not identify a precise date for Santana to step on a mound. But the pitching coach said Santana is making "firm" throws at 120 feet on flat ground. While Santana may back up to 150 feet before stepping on a mound, he technically is ready at the current distance to move to that next step, according to the pitching coach.

Mound work should not be confused with actual pitching. Santana would begin by making light tosses to a catcher who would move closer to the mound than the 60 feet, six inches from home plate.

The Mets' initial projection had Santana returning to the Mets in late June or early July from Sept. 14 surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.