Could Mets Bring Pedro Martinez Back?

While Pedro Martinez was spinning three scoreless innings against the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, his former team was busy watching a parade of ineptitude compete for the fifth and final starting rotation spot.

As outlined in the New York Post, all the candidates for the fifth starter spot are having a rough go as of late. Tim Redding -- the front-runner -- was knocked around by the University of Michigan, as was Freddy Garcia. Bobby Parnell allowed five baserunners in five batters faced against the Nationals. Meanwhile, Pedro threw three scoreless frames for the D.R.

On the other hand, the season is still a month away. While Redding obviously wasn't facing major-league-caliber competition, neither was Pedro. The Netherlands' three-hole hitter is Randall Simon. Their cleanup hitter is a dude named Gregory Halman. Simply put, he wasn't exactly facing the '27 Yankees.

Finally, this article was pure conjecture. It's a decent idea, as bringing in Pedro to compete for the fifth spot would have merit, should the woes continue for Garcia and Redding. There is no evidence that Omar Minaya would consider this move, and the Mets definitely aren't looking to spend a truckload of money on someone who isn't a sure thing at this point. They have guaranteed Redding major league money, and he's going to head into the season as the fifth starter.

UPDATE: Pedro's interested in the job, for what it's worth:

"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."