According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Mets have considered making an attempt to bring Pedro Martinez back to Flushing. Martinez is said to be looking for a deal similar to the deal Brad Penny got from from the Cardinals, a one year 7.5 million dollar deal.
Pedro has said his first choice before signing with the Phillies last year, was to sign with the Mets. So we know Pedro would be open to a return. Martinez is also better than most of the free agent options still open to the Mets.
Pedro said he wants to pitch a full season, but I am not so sure his body will hold up for a full season. Its a risk especially at 7.5 million, but after watching John Lackey, Randy Wolf, and Jason Marquis sign, I think it is a chance the Mets should take. Of all the other risky pitchers out there, like Ben Sheets, Chien-Ming Wang, and Eric Bedard, I think Pedro may have the best chance of making over 25 starts.
If the Mets do opt to sign Martinez, I think they need to seriously consider also adding a consistent innings eater type starter like Jon Garland or Doug Davis.
Another thought, is the heat this would potentially add to the Mets rivalry with the Phillies. This would only serve to make the rivalry better.
Martinez was 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 9 starts for the Phillies in 2009.
He was 32-23 in 79 starts in four seasons for the Mets from 2006-2008.
