Does Santana have edge over Halladay?

Who's the best pitcher in the National League East?

"Santana ... simple."

That was the response from Mets ace Johan Santana today at spring training, per Marty Noble of mlb.com.

But is he right? There's no question that Roy Halladay and Santana are among a handful of pitchers who can make the case as the best in the game. One right-handed, one left-handed. Both with Cy Young awards to their credit (though Santana has two to Halladay's one). And both proven workhorses. They were two of the best American League pitchers of the last decade, and now they're both in the NL East.

In those five years, Halladay led his league in innings pitched once, while Santana did it twice. Santana led in ERA twice, while Halladay doesn't have any ERA crowns. Santana also led his league in strikeouts twice and WHIP three times, with Halladay leading in WHIP once over that stretch.

Halladay had 34 complete games though, compared to eight by Santana. 

Santana had a lower ERA and WHIP, more strikeouts and more innings pitched. These stats don't take into account level of competition, however. While Santana was beating up on the AL Central, Halladay had to face the Yankees and Red Sox 8-to-10 times a year.

Then again, Santana pitched extemely well in the postseason for the Twins, going 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 20 innings, while Halladay has never thrown a pitch in the playoffs.

Over the next few years, this could turn into the best pitching rivalry in baseball, especially if the Mets find a way to be competitive again. Santana has pitched great for New York, but Halladay has the better supporting cast.

So I've laid out the arguments. Now it's your turn. Who is the better ace?

Dave Merrell is a web producer at Philly.com and can be reached at dmerrell@philly.com.