Pedro Martinez: Then and now

With the Red Sox…With the Phillies…He’s lost his edge.

Also, apparently Pedro was nowhere to be found when the Mets won the National League in 2006.  Or at least no image exists of him.  Or I just didn’t find one when I Googled it five minutes ago.

Pedro to play phor Philly

Pedro Martinez and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year deal, worth $1 million.  There is also a chance for Pedro to earn up to $1.5 million in incentives.

After signing the contract, Martinez was placed on the Phillies 15-day DL with a mild shoulder strain.  This is to allow him to rehab in the minor leagues before making his first start in the majors.

I wrote this the other day and I still stand by it:

Frankly, I don’t care. Mets fans know how he has pitched in the last few years, battling injuries and a fizzling career. Plopping him down in Citizens Bank Park, where he gave up eight home runs in 18 innings is going to be a joy to watch from the Mets perspective.

Sure, I bet Pedro still has something left in the tank. And of course, he’ll outduel Johan Santana if they match up down the stretch, but I’m not going to lose any sleep over this.

Pedro in Philly for physical, will sign if he passes

Free agent Pedro Martinez is en route to Philadelphia for a physical. If he passes the physical, it is being reported that he will sign a contract with the Phillies.

Jayson Stark at ESPN cites a report out of the Dominican Republic that Pedro would sign for a prorated $4 million deal.

Frankly, I don’t care. Mets fans know how he has pitched in the last few years, battling injuries and a fizzling career. Plopping him down in Citizens Bank Park, where he gave up eight home runs in 18 innings is going to be a joy to watch from the Mets perspective.

Sure, I bet Pedro still has something left in the tank. And of course, he’ll outduel Johan Santana if they match up down the stretch, but I’m not going to lose any sleep over this.

Mets release Freddy Garcia

After two miserable starts for Triple-A Buffalo, the Mets have parted ways with Freddy Garcia.  He was 0-2 with a 8.18 ERA.

Garcia signed with the Mets this off-season after auditioning for a handful of teams as he attempts to recover from surgery.  His contract was said to be worth up to $8 million if all his incentives were met.

Garcia, though, does not plan to retire, according to his agent.  But he’s mulling it.

The Mets are slim at pitching options and with the recent struggles of the starting rotation, it may be time to worry.  They have a handful of younger guys who just aren’t ready for the big show, but not much else.

It may be time to call up Pedro Martinez just to see how he’s doing.

Pedro will not go gently into that good night

Just when you think the "Pedro Martinez to the Mets" talk has died down, it rears its kind-of-makes-sense-for-the-Mets head.

Steve Popper writes:

Don’t rule out Pedro Martinez just yet. While some Mets’ officials continue to claim that the marriage has ended, one person familiar with the discussions said Sunday that the Mets are among the teams that have begun to request financial requirements with the 37-year-old right-hander.

I'd be more comfortable with Pedro over Livan Hernandez, Freddy Garcia or Jon Niese. If healthy, he'd be a fine fifth starter. The team would not be asking him to be the ace of the staff again, only the back end starter.

Heck, he can throw 10 miles an hour faster than Garcia.

Pedro open to Mets, relief role

Jim Baumbach is in Puerto Rico covering the World Baseball Classic and got a chance to chat with Pedro Martinez.

Via The Final Score:

"If they want a fifth starter, I've been there. I don't know how much they want me but I'm available," Martinez said. "That's all I can say. But at the same time, I'm available for every team out there."

Martinez, who threw three scoreless innings against the Netherlands on Saturday, also said he's open to being a reliever, though it's not his preference.

What really needs to be known is if he's open to the minor league, just to be waiting in the wings for an injury.

The Mets really have nothing holding them back. It's a no-lose situation.

I'm officially in the 'Bring Back Pedro' camp

For months, I've been thinking that the Mets were done with Pedro Martinez. They had signed guys like Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia who could easily outperform the aging, injured Pedro. No more.

With Redding, Garcia, Livan Hernandez and a bunch of others in the running, and none of them pitching effectively, there is no reason the Mets shouldn't bring back Pedro.

I'm not going to argue the statistics route, because it's only spring training and numbers really don't matter. So far though, we've seen Redding struggle in his first appearance. Garcia just doesn't seem to have any power left in his arm. Hernandez is bound to have an ERA over five, even if he does throw 200 innings.

Pedro would do a few things for the Mets. He would push the other pitchers in competing for that last spot. He would provide insurance, if he was willing to go to AAA if he did not win the roster spot. He would also mentor some young pitchers.

Sign him to a one-year deal, with a bunch of incentives, and I'll be happy. He did help change this franchise, if you like to believe it or not.

Bring back Pedro Martinez.

Pedro, the Marlin? [Updated]

Now that the Mets have Tim Redding in the fold, the possibility for Pedro Martinez returning to the Mets is slim to none. (With the smart bet on the latter.)

Pedro has turned his sights elsewhere, and if this lead pans out, the Mets may be seeing him fairly often.

According to sources, Martinez is in talks with Florida and is "in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract with the Marlins."

All this comes a day after The Post ran this story: Pedro Lobbies For Mets Return.

In an exclusive interview with The Post, Martinez said he's open to pitching just about anywhere in 2009, but the Mets are far and away his first choice.
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"I went over to the Mets with something in mind, to win a World Series in the National League, and I haven't achieved that," said Martinez, who just completed a four-year, $53 million contract.
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"I just pray that [Fred Wilpon] bounces back and we can give him the World Series that he deserves."

He's such a likable guy, but his illustrious career is definitely in the fading stages. Enjoy Florida, or wherever you end up.

UPDATE: Not so, according to the Miami Herald.

"Multiple sources tell us nothing is afoot on that front, that either the Marlins aren't interested in the 37-year-old pitcher or they don't feel they can afford him."

2008 Met of the Year Award: White Bracket voting

Here is the second groupings of votes in the 2008 Met of the Year Award tourney.If you're behind, check out the original post and the results from the Orange Bracket.

Today's matchups:

[Voting is over.]

Make sure you vote for the correct Pedro!

Voting ends at 11:59 pm.

What's next for the Mets?

With Francisco Rodriguez in the fold, Omar Minaya has cleared the first hurdle this off-season. The next question is, what does he do next?

I would hope that his next signing or transaction would be for a starting pitcher. I'm more worried about the two gaping holes at the back of the Mets rotation as opposed to who is manning left field when we already have people that can do a semi-decent job out there.

Everyone keeps talking about Jon Garland being a fallback plan for the Mets. Why? He's not going to be the ace of your staff, so you can live with his ERA over 4.00 every year. Plus, he eats innings, logging 190 IP or more every year since 2002. The Mets may need to pay him a little more than they wish, but they can. Garland is actually near the top of my wish list for starting pitchers for the team to acquire.

Minaya seems infatuated with Raul Ibanez, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being the next New York Met. I don't necesarily hate Ibanez, but in no way would I get excited about him playing in left next year. Yes, that would move Fernando Tatis back to the bench, but that would also force Daniel Murphy either to the bench as well, or back to the minors where he can at least get regular playing time.

The Mets continue to pursue Huston Street, though it seems that Aaron Heilman may not be included in a possible deal for the ex-A's closer. The team wants a set-up man who can also fill in at closer if need be. Street would be an excellent addition to the team, but it's unknown what the Mets would have to give up.

They had offered Heilman and Pedro Feliciano, but when the Rockies called back, Minaya had changed his mind. The Rox just signed lefty Alan Embree, so their need for Feliciano is probably diminished.

Back to the starting pitching market, I keep hearing conflicting reports about Derek Lowe. First the team is courting him, then he's too expensive and then back to "the Mets are considering Lowe." I think he's too expensive for the type of pitcher he is, and looking at what the Mets need, he may not be the best option.

Ken Davidoff believes the Mets should sign Oliver Perez. I wouldn't mind that. We know what he's capable of, but Scott Boras is going to demand the bank and more for his client and I think the Mets are unwilling to pay that much for the inconsistency of Perez.

Pedro Martinez's name continues to be brought up, but as I wrote last night, I believe the team is attempting to drum up buzz about it as an act of good faith.

Oh, and don't count on Manny Ramirez coming to the Mets, as I hinted at in Minaya's notebook. I give it about a 2 percent chance of happening.

Two tidbits: Raul Ibanez and Pedro Martinez

Two little nuggets to much on as you process the Mets deal with Francisco Rodriguez.

The Mets brass in Las Vegas apparently dined with Raul Ibanez's agent at the Bellagio, reports Ken Rosenthal.

The Mets are looking into Ibanez to fill left field, which is currently being manned by a tandem of Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy.

He's a little too old for my liking, especially for the seemingly cursed left field of the New York Mets. Omar Minaya has been after him since July, so now that he's a free agent and within his grasp, I think if Omar can get a grasp on him, he'll snag him for his team.

Minaya also mentioned that the Mets remain interested in Pedro Martinez.

I have a feeling this is a good act on behalf of the Mets toward Pedro. He meant a lot to this club, even if his wins didn't show it. His signing ushered in a new era of the team. They are likely doing this to drum up some rumors and buzz about him as he tries to sign elsewhere.

I think the Mets should sign him, cheaply, to compete with Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell for a spot in the rotation. If he beats them out of spring training, but gets hurt a few weeks into the season, then the team can turn to Niese. That's instead of just handing Niese the job as it stands now. What if he falters? Then what?

Cheaply, I wouldn't mind him. Now that K-Rod is all but locked up, Minaya will begin to look elsewhere. What his first move will be in unknown. Stay tuned!

Sign Pedro Martinez

That's right, I said it. The Mets should sign Pedro Martinez.

As I noted yesterday, I agree with Dan Graziano that the Mets are overvaluing their 2009 rotation, especially with the two holes at the back end of the rotation. With Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell attempting to break into the big leagues on a full time basis, the Mets need security.

"I do want to play," Martinez told Christian Red in today's NY Daily News. "I'm not going to talk about it until January. I'm away from all that. I know I'm a free agent. One thing - I'm getting ready because I know how long it takes to get ready. I'm working out. I'm doing everything I have to do."

Why not sign Martinez? Well for one, he's extremely injury prone. He's at the end of his career, there is no doubt about that, but he's still able to pitch at the major league level to some degree. He can put in innings and is proven at this level, something you cannot say about Niese or Parnell.

He's no longer the ace of the staff, but he can definitely serve as the 5th man in the rotation.

Take a chance. A one-year deal, with incentives. He knows New York, can pitch in high-pressure cities and is a great addition in the clubhouse. I'm for it.

Are the Mets going to bring back the same rotation? Or close to it?

We already know 3/5 of the rotation is coming back. Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine will be leading the rotation. Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez are free agents, and there is a possibility one or both will come back in 2009.

Is this really the right play for the Mets?

The starting pitching was good last year. Santana had a Cy Young-caliber season, Pelfrey had a breakout season, finally pitching like we all knew he could and Maine was good, but lost most of his season to his shoulder injury.

Should the Mets forget about Perez and Pedro and look elsewhere? I'd like to see Derek Lowe on the Mets. He's not the youngest guy, but he knows how to play baseball and is a fighter (something this team needs). I'd LOVE to see A.J. Burnett or CC Sabathia, but I can't see that happening.

The Mets need to look to back-end starters, ones who know they're not the ace of the staff and don't wish to be paid like one. Jon Garland is another name I'd like to see the Mets sniff around a bit more.

I hope the Mets shy away from making this team look like last years and shift to a new, different approach with a handful of new players.

Rumor Rundown: Pedro, K-Rod and Fuentes

It's looking more and more like Pedro Martinez will return to baseball in 2009. The question now is if the Mets are willing to re-sign him, they might want to hurry up.

According to Pedro's agent, Fernando Cuza, "he's definitely coming back...It'll be fun to see the old Pedro again." Yeah, that would be nice, but don't count on it.

Pedro is what he is, an aging, Hall of Fame-bound pitcher, who when he's having a good day can give you six or seven innings. He's a number five starter now, nothing more. If the Mets can keep him in New York with a one-year deal, it would provide some back of the rotation security if guys like Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell don't shine in spring training.

Bring back Pedro!

** * **

The Mets are yet to receive the medical reports for Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes. This means the possibility of proposed deals will have to wait, as the team will want to look at the medical report before making any contract offers.

So even with the news that they're set to make offers this week, I think it will be a while before Omar Minaya gets any traction under his tires.

Sit back, relax and enjoy November. Things will start to pick up next month.

Piazza putting pen to paper

Mike Piazza is currently writing a memoir on his time in the league.

It's already on my wish list for next Christmas, as the book is due out in 2010. It is currently untitled.

Topics being covered:

He will also talk about the personalities and players from his days with the Mets, including Bobby Valentine, Pedro Martinez, and Rickey Henderson and many others," according to Simon & Schuster. "In the book, Piazza will describe how he matured as a ballplayer and a man over the last decade.

Oh boy, Henderson will be in it? I cannot wait.

Rumor Rundown: Why, yes! Pitching! (and other things, too)

Hopefully the Mets rehab staff isn't too tired from all the injuries last year, because it looks like they may be spending their time trying to get Chad Cordero back into shape.

According to Adam Rubin in the NY Daily News, Omar Minaya met with Cordero's agent on Wednesday.

Cordero is on his way back from shoulder surgery in July, and may not be ready for opening day. Sounds like Duaner Sanchez syndrome.

From the Daily News, a quote from Cordero's agent Larry Reynolds:

"All I can tell you is he's way ahead of schedule right now physically, and the doctors have said nothing but great stuff as far as how he's progressing," Reynolds said. "We're just going to make sure we take our time, because I don't think it's wise to jump into anything too quick when you have a guy who might have a 10- or 12-year career ahead of him."

If he can bounce back and throw like he once did, that would be great. Ease him back into the closers roll with a few innings in middle relief, then set-up man, then back to doing what he used to do best. Cordero is only 26-years-old, and could be had for a bargain, due to his injury.

Do it, Omar. Do it.

** * **

Nick Cafardo in the Boston Globe dishes two tidbits towards the Queens-faithful.

On Pedro Martinez:

Minaya said he hasn't ruled out Pedro Martínez pitching for the Mets next season, and it's his understanding that Martínez "can and wants to pitch somewhere next year."

On Julio Lugo and Javier Vazquez:

[Red Sox GM Theo] Epstein said Lugo is 100 percent recovered from his quadriceps tear and likely will play winter ball in the Dominican. There has been talk that the Mets and White Sox have interest in Lugo. The White Sox appear willing to move Vazquez. The Mets and White Sox were huddling yesterday afternoon

Again, I am not against bringing Pedro back. It may not be the best move for the Mets, but given the situation, it might be something they have to do.

A big NO THANK YOU to Julio Lugo. And I am very worried the Mets are going to give up too much for Vazquez. Tread carefully.

** * **

Oh, Manny Ramirez. He will easily be the "Johan Santana" of the 2008-2009 off-season.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have offered Ramirez a ridiculous contract, likely ranking as the second-highest salary in MLB.

Rosenthal speculates that the deal may be worth two-years and upwards of $50 million. He also notes that there may be a team option for a third year.

Minaya on Manny, as quoted by Peter Abraham:

He’s an offensive player. He’s been a very good player. But for us, where we are right now, where is it we’re going to invest? Our priority right now is we have to address our pitching.

It makes me very happy to see Minaya have his priorities in order. Pitching wins championships.

** * **

In a separate article, Abraham also point out three pitchers that the Mets and the Yankees may be vying for, and the cross-town brethren will probably be bidding on a few of the same players.

Abraham notes that both teams will probably make a play for Derek Lowe. He also mentions Oliver Perez and A.J. Burnett as targets.

I'd take any of the three. Burnett has had some issues with his previous team (Toronto Blue Jays), so he's probably third on my list. Lowe will only require a two- or three-year deal, which would definitely be the cheapest, as Perez will be commanding a longer contract.

Rumor Rundown: Pitching, Pitching, Pitching

Every morning I will scan the web for the newest Mets rumors, and dish them to you. Enjoy your tasty tidbits of baseball gossip.

The New York Times relays info from a quick meeting Omar Minaya held with reporters at the GM Meetings in Cali. Minaya pitched the need for pitching over offense. "I have no problem with our offense, and that was even with [Luis] Castillo not having a good year, and he is a lifetime .300 hitter, if I am not mistaken," Minaya told the Times. "Those things I am not worried about."

When asked if he would look at the pricier closer Francisco Rodriguez, Minaya said "We have to look at everybody."

Minaya also noted that since the Mets only have three starters on the board for next year, he will entertain the idea of re-signing Pedro Martinez. Jon Niese, Bobby Parnell and Jason Vargas will all have a shot at those final two spots. No mention of Oliver Perez.

** * **

Javier Vazquez has piqued the Mets interest.

Vazquez, who is owed $23 million over the next two years by the Chicago White Sox, will not be too expensive, as long as the Mets are willing to pay.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Vazquez, who has a no-trade clause to West Coast teams, was fourth in the American League in strikeouts, but his only winning season in the last four was 2007, when he finished 15-8. He also had winning records in Montreal in the early 2000s when current Mets GM Omar Minaya worked there.

I don't like this, but the Mets do need pitching. Too expensive, too inconsistent.

** * **

Back to K-Rod. Ken Davidoff reminds us of a similar situation from a few years ago.

Newsday:

Though the Mets are reluctant to meet Rodriguez's public asking price of $75 million over five years, they'll engage with him just in case the price drops. As Minaya noted yesterday, Carlos Beltran's original asking price was $200 million before it came down to the $119 million the Mets paid him.

No one was going to spend $200 mil. for Beltran. Unfortunately, I think the closers market is so dry, teams will spend as much as possible to try and land the new single-season save leader.

I'd be more than happy landing the cheaper, and equally good Brian Fuentes.

Six Mets file for FA

The old guys want out.

The Mets that filed for free agency: Moises Alou (42), Pedro Martinez (37), Tony Armas, Jr. (30), Luis Ayala (30), Ramon Martinez (36) and Ricardo Rincon (38).

These six players ages add up to 213 years, for a mean age of 35.5.

No way Alou comes back. No chance. He can still hit, but he can't stay healthy at all. R. Martinez and Rincon are as good as gone, too.

I took a long look at Pedro and don't expect him to come back, but he might. It's a toss-up. (There are some great comments on that article. Worth a look.)

Ayala could return, but I doubt it. I think the Mets would rather shed the old bullpen and bring in new players instead of re-signing the players that made it terrible. Armas could end up in AAA with a minor league deal, as he wasn't half bad when the Mets needed him.

Don't be surprised when none of these players return in 2009.

The Pedro quandry

Should the Mets re-sign Pedro Martinez? It's a tough one.

In short, I don't think they should. He can't stay healthy, can't get through six innings, and is going to want more than one season in his contract.

But, and there is always a but with me, he might be able to give you some quality innings. Nothing spectacular, but decent fifth starter type starts, allowing three runs over 5 2-3 innings or something to that degree. Would you take that out of Pedro Martinez?

With a one-year contract, worth a couple million, I wouldn't be against it. It would give security heading into spring training, if guys like Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell aren't as ripe as we all hope. He could also serve as a mentor to the young guns as they prepare to embark on their MLB career.

I don't think it would hurt to sign him again, for something short and something cheap, because he won't be breaking the Mets bank. He seems to enjoy pitching and being a part of New York City, so I figure he'd be willing to stay, maybe even for a bargain.

It truly depends if he even returns at all. He's in the twilight of his career, and with his father's passing this year, his heart may just not be in the game anymore.

I'd like to see him back, but won't be heartbroken if he retires or ends up elsewhere.

Count Manny out for the Mets

My heart and dreams were shattered at the same moment.

Ben Shpigel of the New York Times is out covering the NLCS in LA, and he had the opportunity to chat with Manny Ramirez. Talk shifted to the Mets, and Pedro Martinez.

Via Shpigel:

When reminded that the Mets could use a right-handed slugger, Ramirez must have mentioned at least three times that he didn’t think the ball carried well at Shea Stadium. Reminded that the Mets are moving into a new stadium next season, Ramirez hardly seemed to notice.

Great. He won't be a Met because he doesn't like the way the ball carries at Shea.

Time to look elsewhere.