Why Won’t The Mets Sign Pedro Martinez?

The New York Mets have come out and said they don’t want and will not sign Pedro Martinez. The Amazin’s have what amounts to an open try-out for the fifth starter job between Livan Hernandez, Freddy Garcia, Tim Redding, and Jonathan Niese.

So, why not throw Pedro into the mix?

It has been reported that Martinez is looking for a deal worth about $5 million and another $5 million in incentives. That doesn’t seem to be too big of a price tag for a guy that will definitely fill seats in a new ballpark, can add valuable leadership to the clubhouse and has thrown pretty darn well for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Martinez gave up no runs, allowed just one hit and struck out six in three appearances for the Dominican Republic in the WBC and looked as good a he has in years.

We all know that at 37 years old, Pedro Martinez is not the pitcher that he once was, but Martinez will add so many of the intangibles to whatever team he signs with. I just don’t see the downside to at least having Pedro come to Spring Training and compete for the roll of fifth man in the rotation.