"Jason Marquis first wants it understood that he is focused on the Arizona Diamondbacks, and their pennant race.

Whenever that ends, though, the New York product will turn his attention home, and once again wonder about the Mets.

"I try not to extend my focus past (this year), but obviously I have always had a desire to pitch at home," said the Brooklyn-born Marquis, who still lives in Staten Island, and who faces the Mets Sunday. "I'm a New York guy, and I have always dreamed of playing for the Yankees or Mets, representing my hometown."

Marquis, 32, and the Mets have flirted before, when the righthander was a free agent before last season (he is a free agent again this offseason). Despite mutual interest, Marquis eventually signed with Washington, and the Nationals traded him to Arizona last month. He is 8-6 this year, with a 4.48 ERA."