Pedro Martinez News: Pro Sports Daily

Angels aren't interested in Pedro Martinez

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June 22

Los Angeles Times

"The Angels have "no interest" in pitcher Pedro Martinez, General Manager Tony Reagins said Sunday. Reagins said the Angels chose not to pursue Martinez for baseball reasons and not financial ones. The Angels scouted Martinez at his workout last week in the Dominican Republic. The Dodgers did not scout the workout, and Manager Joe Torre said that the team has not discussed Martinez since spring training. Reagins did not elaborate on his comments, but a baseball source familiar with reports from the workout said Martinez's fastball was clocked most often in the 85-mph range. The source, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to publicly discuss scouting reports, said ..."

Rays talking with pitcher Pedro Martinez

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June 19

St. Petersburg Times

"Pedro Martinez is talking about the Rays, but they're not saying anything about the veteran pitcher. And it still appears unlikely they'll be getting together anytime soon. Martinez, 37, told the Associated Press on Wednesday in the Dominican Republic that he has had talks with the Cubs and the Rays and was close to a deal. "There's a good chance I'll be signing soon, but there still isn't anything firm," Martinez said. "Chicago and Tampa Bay are the two teams that have shown the most interest, and we are negotiating with them, although I've told my agent not to call me until it's a done deal." The Rays have talked with Martinez's agent and last week had Eddy Toledo, the director of ..."

Yankees to watch ex-Met ace Pedro Martinez pitch in Dominican

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June 19

New York Daily News

""Come to daddy." Well, maybe not. Pedro Martinez, who once famously called the Yankees his "daddy" after a tough loss to them, will throw for Yankee scouts in the Dominican Republic today. But the Yanks aren't really interesting in signing him, according to someone familiar with the team's thinking. The Yankees - along with the Rays, Angels and Cubs - will watch Martinez work out, the person said, but it's believed the Yanks are only doing it as a courtesy to Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, who also represents stars such as Mariano Rivera and Vladimir Guerrero. The news of the Yankees and other teams watching Martinez was first reported by Ken Rosenthal on foxsports.com. Martinez, a ..."

Pedro Martinez might sign with Chicago Cubs or Tampa Bay Rays

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June 18

Trenton Times

"Pedro Martinez could be back on a major league mound soon. The right-hander said on Wednesday that he has had talks with the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays and hopes to sign a contract in the near future. "There's a good chance I'll be signing soon, but there still isn't anything firm," Martinez told The Associated Press. Martinez, 37, has been training in his native Dominican Republic in hopes of returning to the majors. His four-year deal with the New York Mets ended after last season, making Martinez a free agent. "Chicago and Tampa Bay are the two teams that have shown the most interest and we are negotiating with them, although I've told my agent not to call me until it's a done ..."

Cubs show interest in Pedro

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June 13

MLB.com

"Pedro Martinez recently threw a sideline session for a Rays employee, and it appears as though the Cubs are also showing some interest in the three-time Cy Young Award winner. According to a report on SI.com, citing National League sources, the Cubs have been scouting Martinez as he continues to work out in his native Dominican Republic. Martinez, 37, was linked to several clubs during the offseason, and again after he allowed just one hit in six innings while pitching for the Dominican in the World Baseball Classic in March. However, any interest has been muted by Martinez's asking price, which is believed to be $5 million for the season. The Cubs' apparent interest in Martinez is ..."

Martinez Will Play This Season, Friends Says

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April 11

New York Post

"Pedro Martinez hasn't started the clock on his five-year waiting period for the Hall of Fame just yet. Though Opening Day passed with Martinez still unemployed, the right-hander fully expects to pitch in the major leagues this season, a longtime friend of Martinez's told The Post yesterday. "There is no question he's going to pitch," said the friend, who said he recently spoke to Martinez. It's just a matter of for whom and at what price. Even in this crippled economy, the 37-year-old Martinez remains confident he can secure a guaranteed contract in the $5 million range, the friend said, now that the season has begun and teams undoubtedly will have starting rotation holes due to injuries ..."

Mets confirm Livan Hernandez as fifth starter; no room for Pedro Martinez

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March 31

New York Daily News

"Jerry Manuel declared, albeit diplomatically, that the door has closed on a Met encore from Pedro Martinez. The manager confirmed Livan Hernandez as the Mets' fifth starter Monday. Hernandez will start Friday's exhibition against the Red Sox at Citi Field, and be activated April 11 for a start at Florida, likely after the Mets carry Nick Evans as an extra bench player for four games. Hernandez, who was labeled "inventory" by GM Omar Minaya when he signed as camp opened, viewed making the team as a feat. He and half-brother Orlando will become the third set of brothers to have played for the Mets, joining Tom and Mike Glavine and Sandy Jr. and Roberto Alomar. "I'm not going to be ..."

Pedro Martinez still hoping for return to Mets

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March 19

Newsday

"Pedro Martinez is still holding out hope for a return to the Mets despite every indication that they have no interest, according to a friend who has spoken to the righthander recently. The Dodgers appear to be Martinez's more likely landing point, being that they have openly admitted their interest in signing him. And Martinez, according to his friend, is intrigued by the idea of seeing his career come full circle as well as reuniting with Manny Ramirez and playing for Joe Torre. But Martinez's "heart is in New York," the friend said, so much so that Martinez has refused to put his house on the New York-Connecticut border on the market. You know, just in case. Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, ..."

Pedro's demands don't fit payroll

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March 19

Bergen Record

"On the mound Wednesday at Tradition Field, Livan Hernandez was strengthening his grip on the fifth spot in the Mets' starting rotation with five solid innings of work. And just a short plane ride away, Pedro Martinez was home, still without a job, wondering what so many are wondering: Why isn't he in the Mets' starting rotation? If the Mets are going to take a shot on an aging pitcher, why not one with Hall of Fame credentials? Why not one who left last season and has spent the winter hoping for a chance to make amends for the injury-plagued seasons that marked the last three of his four years in New York? There are a number of reasons, with money being one and the performance of Hernandez ..."

Pedro talk persists in Dodgers camp

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March 18

MLB.com

"Before one of the Dominican Republic's recent World Baseball Classic games, Pedro Martinez told Tom Lasorda and scouting advisor Ralph Avila he wanted to finish his career where it started, with the Dodgers. "That's what he said," said Lasorda, Martinez's former manager. "I don't know, it was just conversation." The longer the Dodgers go without a clear-cut No. 5 starter, the more conversation about Martinez occurs. Manny Ramirez said he called Martinez on Sunday morning after hearing media reports that Martinez might be coming to the Dodgers. "He said he has two options," said Ramirez. "I don't know what he's going to do. He has to do what's best for him." The two options most often ..."

Pedro whispers

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March 16

Bergen Record

"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. The Mets publicly have maintained that they are content with the group of candidates they have for the fifth spot in their rotation. But that list grew shorter by one Saturday when Tim Redding was shut down. Now the choice is from among Livan Hernandez, Jon Niese and Freddy Garcia. And unlike Redding, none of those pitchers has a guaranteed major league contract."

Dodgers should bring back Pedro Martinez

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March 12

Los Angeles Times

columnist Bill Plaschke

"Fifteen years is long enough. Two-hundred and fourteen wins and three Cy Young Awards is stuff enough. The ghost of Delino DeShields has haunted enough. It's time to bring Pedro Martinez home. One year after an opening day in which the Dodgers ceremonially connected with their past, they could do it for real by turning a humongous mistake into a homecoming king. Bring back the giant they thought was too small. Bring back the fighter they thought was too brittle. Bring Ramon's little brother home. Martinez is available; he's a 37-year-old free agent coming off three injury-plagued seasons with the New York Mets. Martinez is accessible, he wants to pitch for a contender in the National ..."

Manuel: Forget Martinez Return

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March 10

New York Post

"Jerry Manuel yesterday appeared to douse any speculation that the Mets would bring back Pedro Martinez to fill their fifth-starter vacancy. "Pedro is a Hall of Fame pitcher and one of the greatest pitchers of our time, but I feel very confident in the people we have in camp that can get the job done," Manuel said. "Do you like Pedro? Of course, you love Pedro. But you have to be fair to the people that we have here." Manuel is sticking with the current crop of No. 5 candidates, even though Livan Hernandez, Tim Redding, Freddy Garcia and Jonathon Niese have all been unimpressive so far in camp. Redding, in fact, gave up five runs on five hits (including two homers) in just one-third of an ..."

Healthy Martinez Perfect For Mets As Fifth Starter

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March 10

New York Post

columnist Kevin Kernan

"The Mets are throwing a lot of slop up against the wall these days in their fruitless search for a fifth starter. All they really have to do to fix the situation is sign old friend Pedro Martinez. Pedro made it clear yesterday that he would love to have another shot with the team and that the Mets would be getting a much better Pedro than they had the last two years as he struggled with injuries. "Yeah, I would like to be back with the Mets," Pedro said after the Dominican Republic team workout yesterday at Roberto Clemente Stadium. "They want a fifth starter, I've been there. I don't know how much they want me, but I'm available. I would love to be as comfortable as I can. That's all I ..."

Strong Start For Pedro

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March 5

New York Post

"In some ways it was like old times for Pedro Martinez. The crowd was chanting, "Pedro! Pedro! Pedro!" as it gave him a standing ovation when he walked off the mound yesterday after his two innings of work for the Dominican Republic in a 6-1 exhibition loss to the Orioles. Old Red Sox teammate David Ortiz was there to give him a Big Papi hug by the dugout of Fort Lauderdale Stadium, just like the old days when they were World Series champions in 2004, and, best of all, according to scouts, one of Pedro's pitches actually registered 91 mph on the radar gun. Considering this was Pedro's first outing since last Sept. 25 when he was a Met, it was a good day for Martinez, who is a free agent. ..."

Pedro Martinez wants big contract or he'll retire and 'go fishing'

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March 3

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez wants to pitch in the majors this season, but the three-time Cy Young winner prefers retiring to his fishing boat if the alternative is accepting a Tom Glavine-like contract. Glavine, Martinez's former teammate with the Mets, signed with the Braves for a base salary of $1 million. "If I wanted to pitch that bad, I probably would," Martinez said about agreeing to a low guarantee comparable to Glavine's. "But I don't think I'm in that stage. I believe I'm very comfortable. I'm not going to let anybody disrespect my abilities or the way I am. I wouldn't say I would want to pitch that bad." The unsigned Martinez, 37, threw a bullpen session Monday, during the Dominican ..."

Pedro Eyes Title...and Re$pect

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March 3

New York Post

"Pedro Martinez wants a job, but he also wants to win the WBC title for the Dominican. And he wants a decent contract. "I'm a very proud man. I would really like to bring [a title] home to the Dominican," he said yesterday. "This is my first opportunity, and I want to take full advantage of it." The ex-Met also said he will not just sign for any money, but something he deserves. Asked if he would do what Tom Glavine did and sign an incentive-based contract, Martinez said, "If I wanted to pitch that bad I probably would. But I don't think I'm at that stage. I'm not going to let anyone disrespect my abilities. I wouldn't say I want to pitch that bad." Glavine signed with the Braves for a $1 ..."

Red Sox show no interest in Pedro Martinez encore

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February 28

Boston Herald

"This offseason, the Red Sox took chances on two veteran starting pitchers coming off injuries, signing John Smoltz and Brad Penny to low-risk deals and hoping for high rewards. But earlier this week, the club showed it had no interest in signing a third: Pedro Martinez. Baseball sources said Martinez’ representatives approached the Red Sox earlier this week to determine if the club was a possible fit for the 37-year-old right-hander. Martinez pitched brilliantly for the Sox for seven seasons (1998-2004), posting a record of 117-37, and winning two American League Cy Young awards. With a five-man rotation set, Smoltz aiming for a June 1 return, and prized young arms such as Clay Buchholz ..."

Pedro brings heat in simulated game

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February 26

MLB.com

"Free-agent pitcher Pedro Martinez is staying busy. The three-time Cy Young Award winner threw a simulated game on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic and is on track to start for the country's World Baseball Classic squad in the team's first exhibition game on March 3, according to the Dominican newspaper Hoy. According to the report, Martinez's velocity ranged from 88-92 mph in the 43-pitch outing at Baseball City, a sports complex near Boca Chica. "Pedro was working really well, he threw the ball like normal and he showed good physical condition," Dominican team staff member Rafael Mateo told the paper. The report also stated that Martinez, 37, plans to throw Friday before traveling to ..."

Pedro not in picture

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February 15

Bergen Record

"Pedro Martinez has offered to pitch in the World Baseball Classic as a tryout for a contract this season, but that contract apparently won't be with the Mets. The Mets added Livan Hernandez to the roster, signing the soon-to-be 34-year-old right-hander to a minor league contract. With the signing, Omar Minaya said the team likely had ended any possible pursuit of Martinez. "I think it's fair to say that we're set with these guys," Minaya said. "We have a good number of guys. We are pretty much set. I think we are going to go forward with the guys we have now. We have numbers." Minaya believed that Martinez already has had offers. The only shot that Martinez has of returning would be if one ..."

Pedro says he's received offers

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January 31

MLB.com

"The availability of Pedro Martinez as a free agent has prompted interest among big league clubs, according to the veteran right-hander. With less than three weeks remaining before the beginning of Spring Training, the 37-year-old pitcher has received offers, though not from the Mets, the club he said he'd prefer to return to. Martinez said, "I've received various formal offers from various clubs who have a lot of interest in me," though he didn't identify them. He said his priorities were "my comfort and [maintaining] my health." He was quoted last weekend as having said he had received no offers. Speaking to the Associated Press in Santo Domingo on Friday, the Dominican native said, "I ..."

Omar Minaya meets Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic

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January 30

New York Daily News

"Omar Minaya met with Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic this week during a scouting trip, but club sources say it doesn't mean the GM is thinking seriously at the moment about re-signing the former ace. People close to the situation say the Mets probably would bring Martinez back only if they fail to re-sign Oliver Perez or fall-back options such as Randy Wolf or Ben Sheets. Minaya's meeting with Martinez apparently was mostly a matter of convenience, since he was in the Dominican on a planned trip. Martinez himself has publicly expressed his wish to return to the Mets, but people in the organization are wary of his recent injury history, as well as the idea of him adjusting to a ..."

Pedro Plans To Use WBC As Last Audition

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January 30

New York Post

"Pedro Martinez's plan is to pitch in the World Baseball Classic and reveal what he can still offer a major league team in 2009, The Post has learned. Martinez is a free agent, but if the legendary ace doesn't have a team by spring training, the WBC will act as his audition. He'll represent the Dominican Republic, then decide what club to sign with either during or after the tournament. "He wanted to use the opportunity of the WBC not only as an opportunity to play for the Dominican Republic, which he didn't do last time," agent Fernando Cuza told The Post, "but also as an opportunity to showcase himself, to demonstrate to teams what kind of condition he's in right now." If the plan holds ..."

Minaya may be looking at Pedro

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January 29

MLB.com

"A report out of the Dominican Republic on Wednesday says Mets general manager Omar Minaya has expressed interest in re-signing Pedro Martinez. The report by The Associated Press cites no source and seems to represent a complete change of heart by the Mets, who had indicated repeatedly re-siging Martinez was unlikely. However, a person familiar with the Mets' activities confirmed Minaya met with Martinez in the pitcher's homeland on Wednesday. He said no offer had been made to the 37-year-old pitcher, whose four-year, $53 million contract with the Mets expired after last season. Re-signing Martinez, that person said, remained "a long shot," but he also indicated that the club intends to ..."

Minaya's 50-50 on Pedro's return

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January 13

New York Post

"Heads, it's Derek Lowe, Oliver Perez or Randy Wolf. Tails, it's Pedro Martinez or some other option for the Mets' rotation. GM Omar Minaya yesterday made it a coin flip when asked about his confidence in landing one of the Big 3 starters he has pursued in recent weeks. Moreover, Minaya put Martinez's candidacy for a return engagement on the back burner. Lowe has been heavily courted by the Braves, but there are no indications the Mets have serious competition for Perez or Wolf. "The bottom line is you're in negotiations and there's other clubs out there that need pitching," Minaya said. "I'm not going to tell you I'm too confident. I would say that's it's 50-50, and we'll see what ..."

Mets Increasingly View Martínez as Backup Plan

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January 13

New York Times

"Pedro Martínez wants to pitch next season, and he wants to pitch for the Mets. But the chances of his returning diminished Monday when General Manager Omar Minaya all but ruled out re-signing Martínez. Minaya suggested that the Mets would pursue him only if they failed to sign Derek Lowe, Oliver Pérez or Randy Wolf. "Pedro's one of the guys that is still under consideration, but right now, the way it is, we're dealing with some other guys," said Minaya, speaking on a conference call to announce the signing of Tim Redding. "Is he an option? He's in the pool, but that's where he falls right now. We're in a position that with the guys that are out there, the guys we are looking at, if we add ..."

Pedro Martinez, Mets still on hold; Marlins don't factor in

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January 12

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez's status with the Mets remains "on hold," in the words of a baseball official with knowledge of the team's thinking, but it appears Martinez' chances of landing with the Marlins are nil. An ESPN Deportes report Saturday originating in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, suggested that Martinez was beginning negotiations with the Marlins and that the two sides could meet this week. But three media outlets that cover the Marlins - the Miami Herald, the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel and mlb.com - shot down the report Sunday, saying the Marlins have no interest in Martinez. Martinez could still be an option for the Mets, though the addition of Tim Redding on Friday could present ..."

Pedro Martinez Lobbies For Met Return - And For Lowe

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January 9

New York Post

"Pedro Martinez spent yesterday afternoon entertaining friends on his boat in the Dominican Republic. The future Hall of Fame pitcher wants to sail - back to the Mets. 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. He also urged the Mets to sign free-agent righty Derek Lowe, Martinez's former teammate on the Red Sox. Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, is expected to speak with Met GM Omar Minaya next week about re-signing the 37-year-old right-hander. Minaya has indicated throughout the offseason that Martinez is a realistic option. "I went over to the Mets with something in mind, to win a ..."

Mets open to Pedro's return

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December 10

MLB.com

"In the wake of the Mets' agreement -- not a contract, just an agreement -- with Francisco Rodriguez, came seemingly conflicting words from Omar Minaya, the general manager who led the pursuit of the market's most appealing free agent closer. Acknowledging that his team has two voids in its starting rotation, Minaya said Tuesday, "I think that we still have to fill in those two other areas. We have to upgrade." He also was quoted as having said, "We have interest in [Pedro Martinez]. We're going to talk to his agent when we have the opportunity." Upgrading the rotation and an expressed interest in Martinez, as reported by ESPNdeportes, seem to lead in opposite directions. The Mets witnessed ..."

Pedro Martinez plans to keep on pitching

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December 6

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez set off a frenzy of spendingÂ Friday night, but it had nothing to do with his free agency. Martinez was at the Blue Marlin Restaurant at the exclusive Cap Cana resort, donating $10,000 from his foundation in support of good friend and former Red Sox teammate David Ortiz. The future Hall of Fame righthander was flashing his smile, sporting jheri curls again and embracing old teammates and opponents alike. Martinez told the Daily News that he still wants to pitch next season and is working out in preparation for helping a major-league team. Will it be a return to the Mets? Perhaps the Red Sox? Martinez wasn't tipping his hand and said he hasn't even talked with agent ..."

Pedro Martinez hopes to come back and pitch after tough year

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September 29

New York Daily News

"After the Mets' season ended Sunday, Pedro Martinez acknowledged that this has been the most difficult year of his life - both professionally and personally. Still, the veteran righthander said he'd like to continue pitching for the Mets or another team next season. Whether the Mets will bring back the oft-injured Martinez, who completed his four-year, $53 million contract this season, remains to be seen. "I'm going to take myself some time to rest and finally finish taking care of all the problems that are still around my family after my dad passed away," Martinez said shortly after the Mets' season-ending 4-2 loss to the Marlins. "I'm going to get my mind straight and figure it out. If ..."

Martinez Likely To Pitch Next Season

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September 29

New York Post

"Pedro Martinez is leaning toward pitching again next season, though it's highly doubtful he will do so with the Mets. Martinez's four-year, $53 million contract with the Mets expired this season, and the club appears unlikely to invest much in a pitcher one year removed from shoulder surgery who turns 37 next month. Martinez's teammates certainly sensed the end of his Mets career yesterday. At least a dozen of them stopped by his locker after the season-ending 4-2 loss to the Marlins, with a distraught Carlos Beltran even collapsing in tears on Martinez's shoulder for several minutes. "I understand what the Mets are doing," said Martinez, who was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts this ..."

Pedro in survival mode for Mets

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September 21

Newsday

columnist Ken Davidoff

"When Brad Lidge struck out John Baker at about 10:40 Saturday night, securing the Phillies' 3-2 victory over the Marlins, the Mets fled for the clubhouse exit at Turner Field, back in second place in the NL East. Despite the Mets' 4-2 loss to the Braves, they kept their 2 1/2-game lead over the plummeting Brewers in the NL wild-card race because Milwaukee lost, 4-3, to the Reds. No, if any consternation lingered among the Mets, it could be traced not to the standings, but to another mixed-results outing by Pedro Martinez. It sure looks like every game that Pedro starts, which likely includes Game 4 of the National League Division Series, is going to be a struggle. Especially if his ..."

Pedro's Game Now The Weakest Link

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September 21

New York Post

columnist Jay Greenberg

"It's the Brewers who are running out of days, not the Mets, who despite their 4-2 loss here last night and the Phillies' win in Florida, still have a three-game cushion in the loss column for the wild card with eight games remaining. But if, following the 2007 disaster, a mere playoff spot is not all that will satisfy the Mets and their minions, there is still the matter of Pedro Martinez pushing time. And that's not merely referencing his soon-to-be-37 years and his status without a contract for 2009. Martinez, scorched last night for his 19th, 20th and 21st first-inning runs in 19 starts this season, has been unable to pitch into a seventh inning in his last five outings. During that ..."

Mets Fall From Top As Martinez Fails In 1st

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September 21

New York Post

"About that first inning . . . If you could throw out the three quick Atlanta runs, Pedro Martinez gave the Mets everything they could have hoped for here last night. But there was no getting over yet another first-inning hole dug by Martinez, this one leading directly to a 4-2 loss that knocked the Mets right back out of first place in the NL East after barely 24 hours in the top spot. Luckily for Jerry Manuel's club, now a half-game behind the victorious Phillies, wild-card candidates Milwaukee, Houston and Florida are either fading rapidly or clinging to the fringes of the chase with eight games to play. But the Mets can take nothing for granted (see: September 2007), which is why last ..."

Mets will make it, Pedro Martinez might not

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September 21

New York Daily News

columnist John Harper

"The Mets aren't going to need any help from Pedro Martinez to make it to October, and they should be glad for that, not just because of his 5.50 ERA, but because he sounds like a man who needs to somehow be rejuvenated, both physically and spiritually. In fact, he is in such a state of depression about a season that has gone wrong in every way, including the death of his father, that he basically volunteeredÂ Saturday night to step out of the starting rotation in the playoffs, if there are playoffs. For someone as proud as Pedro, it was shockingly revealing of how far he has fallen. Not that he was awfulÂ Saturday night in a 4-2 loss to the Braves, but he took another first-inning ..."

Pedro's Not Up To Speed

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September 3

New York Post

"At least publicly, the Mets have painted Pedro Martinez's abrupt return to New York this week as little more than business as usual. The cracks in that veneer started to show yesterday, however, as Jerry Manuel revealed his concern about Martinez's diminished velocity in his two most recent starts. Is Martinez's start Saturday at Shea Stadium in a key NL East matchup with the Phillies in danger? The Mets aren't going that far, but Manuel indicated yesterday that Martinez is not a sure thing to take the mound Saturday. Alarm bells had sounded late Monday, when the Mets almost off-handedly announced that Martinez was excused from the three-game trip to Milwaukee so he could work with his ..."

Wagner's 25-pitch session is encouraging

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September 2

Newsday

"The Mets still have no concrete date when Billy Wagner will return this season, if at all. But after a 25-pitch session on the mound yesterday at Shea, at least the possibility remains alive, and the Mets continue to accentuate the positive. "The news was encouraging," said Mets VP of player development Tony Bernazard, the ranking executive on this trip. When asked about Wagner's next step, he replied, "Let's see how he feels [today]." Wagner has been on the DL since Aug. 3 because of left forearm and elbow inflammation, and the Mets have moved painstakingly slow with his rehab. If Wagner does bounce back from yesterday's session without a problem, he could pitch for Class A Brooklyn, ..."

Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana take hill for Mets vs. Phillies

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August 26

New York Daily News

"Clinging to a half-game lead in the National League East, the Mets hope sending Pedro Martinez and Johan Santana to the mound in Philadelphia will create a little bit of breathing room between them and the Phillies. Martinez will start Tuesday, followed by Santana Wednesday night in a short but significant two-game set with the Phillies that will momentarily decide first place in the NL East. The Phillies are fresh off a four-game sweep of the Dodgers, while the Mets are coming off a series split with the Astros. The Mets are 9-4 against the Phillies this season. "I don't know how big it's going to be until we play it," said Martinez, who pitched 5-1/3 innings and gave up two runs off ..."

Pedro's Martinez's performance only spot of sunshine for Mets

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August 12

New York Daily News

columnist Tim Smith

"Rainy, damp and cool. That's the way the day started at Shea Stadium Monday when the Mets faced the Pirates in a makeup game. That kind of day is hard on the moving parts of an aging pitcher. Especially one with as many aches as Pedro Martinez, who is trying to get back on track after stays on the disabled list this season, the death of his father and down time with tightness in his shoulder. But the condition of the Mets' bullpen is more taxing on a pitcher like Martinez than anything Mother Nature can throw at him. By the time Martinez left the game Monday with a three-run lead in the sixth inning, Shea was bathed in blue skies and a bright sun. He had given the Mets what they needed, ..."

Pedro's Impressive Day Wasted

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August 12

New York Post

"Five years after Doug Mientkiewicz last got in the box against Pedro Martinez, who was in his prime, the Pittsburgh first baseman said the 2008 Martinez is tougher to face than the 2003 version. "He's harder to hit now," Mientkiewicz said yesterday. Martinez fired six innings of one-run three-hit ball against the Pirates yesterday, though he got a no-decision in the Mets' 7-5 loss at Shea. Still, Mientkiewicz, who had two hits off Martinez yesterday, raved about how good the 36-year-old righty still is. In 2003, Martinez was a 14-4 ace for Boston with a 2.22 ERA. He has a 5.37 ERA for the Mets this year and has had major trouble with injuries, but in perhaps an encouraging revelation, ..."

It's A Rare Quality Start For Martinez

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August 7

New York Post

columnist Larry Brooks

"PEDRO Martinez is no longer the top shelf pitcher who made it possible for Mets' fans to come out of hiding when he signed that pre-Christmas present of a four-year free agent contract in December of 2004. That's what it was, all right, no matter that Martinez has been diminished by injuries for more than two years. That doesn't change now that Martinez is a bottom-of-the-rotation guy who might not get a playoff start if the Mets manage to reverse course again and qualify for the postseason. Signing Pedro off his World Series championship season with the Red Sox was the first step back for the Mets following two dreadful seasons under Art Howe. That's easy to forget now, following the ..."

Amazin's Anxious For Pedro's Start

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August 1

New York Post

"The Mets will be watching anxiously here tonight when Pedro Martinez makes his first start in almost three weeks. Martinez is scheduled to take on Astros right-hander Brandon Backe in the opener of a three-game set, and the Mets are unlikely to let their three-time Cy Young winner throw more than 80 pitches. Martinez tossed a bullpen session Tuesday in Miami in his first action since July 12, when a groin strain led to stiffness in his right shoulder and cut short a start against the Rockies. He also left the team briefly after the death of his father. Interim manager Jerry Manuel fears he will have to get a lot of mileage from his bullpen this weekend with Martinez limited tonight and ..."

Grieving Pedro Martinez dives back into baseball after dad's death

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July 30

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez rejoined the Mets Tuesday, still saddened by the death of his father, Pablo, six days earlier, yet eager to return to baseball. "It hasn't been easy, but now it's time to work and put it all behind and start looking forward to the future," Martinez said after tossing a 10-minute bullpen session at Dolphin Stadium in preparation for Friday's start in Houston. "I appreciate all the support from my teammates and everybody that actually was with me in my pain. And from now on it's hopefully baseball and nothing else. "I don't feel like smiling that much, but I'm pretty sure my teammates understand and everybody understands that my spirits are a little low now. I'm pretty sure ..."

Martinez Is Pitchin' For Manny Deal

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July 30

New York Post

"Manny a Met? Make it happen! So say Pedro Martinez and Sandy Alomar Jr . ., two former teammates of Manny Ramirez now with the Mets who feel the mercurial slugger and Washington Heights native would be a fantastic fit in orange and blue. "He can play on my team any day," Pedro said last night when asked about the talk that refuses to die of his former Boston mate becoming a Met. Sources say a deal to bring Ramirez to Queens remains unlikely, mainly because the Amazin's most likely would have to part with center fielder Carlos Beltran or decimate their farm system. If the Red Sox were to take prospects, they almost surely would want prized lefty Jon Niese or outfielder Fernando Martinez - ..."

Pedro Could Go Friday

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July 28

New York Post

"Jerry Manuel believes Pedro Martinez has a decent chance of pitching for the Mets on Friday in Houston. Martinez, who's away from the team and on the bereavement list due to his father's death, hasn't pitched since July 12. Manuel said Martinez would need to go against some hitters prior to pitching Friday but theorized that could be done tomorrow or Wednesday and still allow the right-hander to throw 70 pitches Friday. Manuel also could skip Martinez and not use a fifth starter on Friday since the Mets are off Thursday, but he doesn't want to use just four starters."

Pedro's Father Dies

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July 24

New York Post

"Pedro Martinez's father Pablo died in the Dominican Republic yesterday, succumbing after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 79. After hearing the news, the pitcher left Shea Stadium to take a charter flight to be with his family. "We are really, really sorry for Pedro, it's a sad day for him," manager Jerry Manuel said. "He came up, I think it was the seventh inning. I didn't have the chance to embrace him or anything like that. It's a sad day for him, I'm sure. We've all at some point or another felt the sting of death close. Our prayers will be with him." Martinez - who will miss tomorrow's scheduled start in the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals - had flown back and ..."

Pedro Martinez's father dies

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July 24

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez learned shortly after Wednesday night's game that his father, Pablo Jaime , had died during the evening in the Dominican Republic . Pablo Jaime had suffered from inoperable brain cancer that was known to be terminal. Martinez, who has been injured for much of this season, has spent much of his DL time in his native country tending to his father, along with relatives. Martinez had been scheduled to start Friday against the Cardinals in a return from a second DL stint; Mike Pelfrey will make that start."