Oswalt Is Not An Option, But What About Pedro?

In a post to his blog, Mike Puma of the NY Post writes that Mets fans shouldn’t hold their breath waiting for the team to trade for Houston Astros ace, Roy Oswalt.

Roy Oswalt’s name is out there as a potential reinforcement for a team in need of pitching help, but don’t expect the Mets to inquire.

Oswalt, the Astros right-hander, recently said he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause if Houston wants to deal him. But Oswalt is making $15 million this season – a number that does not excite the Mets.

The team is reluctant to eat the $1.8 million remaining on Gary Matthews Jr., contract, making it unlikely that GM Omar Minaya would inquire about Oswalt – especially with Citi Field attendance down 6,852 fans from last season.

Puma is probably right, and I can’t foresee the Mets eating Ollie’s remaining $20 million and investing another $15 million on top of it for a year of Roy Oswalt.

On Friday, Roy Oswalt said that he would waive the full no-trade clause in his contract if Houston wants to try to shop him this season, as long as he goes to a contender.

One option that is still out there and very affordable is former Met Pedro Martinez. Martinez has desired to play a half season this year much as he did in 2009 when he helped pitch the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series.

Martinez had a solid stint finishing with a 5-1 record and a 3.63 ERA despite making five of his starts at Citizens Bank Park which can be tough on right handed pitchers.

What was most impressive about his stay with the Phillies was his outstanding ratio of 37 strikeouts versus just 8 walks. How refreshing would a K/BB ratio like that be on the gang that couldn’t shoot pitch straight?

He also compiled a 1.25 WHIP which was better than any Mets starter last season not named Johan Santana who had a 1.21 WHIP.

Look, I know everyone wants to move on from that chapter already, but the Mets really don’t have any better options right now and who is more battle tested in a pennant chase than Pedro Martinez?

His presence on the mound alone is still intimidating, plus he would want nothing more than to come back and help the Mets win a championship, something he said was one of his biggest regrets about his time with the Mets.

He’s a winner, and even at the age of 38, he would probably be the second best pitcher in the current Mets rotation.

It’s something to think about.