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4 Years Later: Examining the Pedro Martinez Signing
Written By Shane Seaburg
May 5, 2008

4 years and $54 Million Dollars. Not bad, huh? Especially it would seem when you only have to work a full year (or season in this case) once in that time frame, but that's exactly what the Mets unknowingly paid for when they signed Pedro Martinez in December 2004.

Once upon a time, Pedro had a mid 90s fastball. Once upon a time Pedro pitched 185 or more innings 10 out of 11 straight seasons. Once upon a time Pedro was a historically great pitcher. And once upon a time the Mets hoped Pedro would show them that greatness like he did for the Expos and Red Sox before them.

Flash forward 3½ years later to spring 2008 and the Mets now know the truth. They got a pitcher who was about to break down. A guy whose heart was still in it, but whose body had paid the price. A guy who after the last three paragraphs you might think I have a negative opinion of.

The truth is Pedro Martinez has not been worth his money in terms of games pitched. I believe this to be an inarguable fact. However, what is much more difficult to measure is the effect he has had on the clubhouse. No, not in terms of chemistry, but rather just to get guys in the door.

You see, by 2004 the Mets were not a very desirable destination for a superstar player. A series of bad trades and poor signings had sunken the ship and a past his prime Mike Piazza couldn't save them. That all changed when Pedro Martinez signed with New York. After him, Carlos Beltran came on board. And then a year after choosing the Marlins over the Mets, Carlos Delgado agreed to come over in a trade. David Wright and Jose Reyes gladly signed long-term deals. And Johan Santana didn't bat an eye lash about coming. Pedro gave the Mets a legitimacy they lacked because even though he was nearing the end of his run with greatness, no one knew it yet. He was still a superstar near the top of his game.

The Mets haven't won a World Series since Pedro arrived, but they are relevant again. They‘re competitive. And they are far more interesting with Pedro Martinez than without him. So, no, he wasn't worth it between the lines, but outside of them he was a steal.

Santana Trade
Written By Shane Seaburg
March 9, 2008

The following are two excerpts from my Mets journal on the day before and the day after the Johan Santana trade.

BEFORE: Monday, January 28 th , 10:14 PM
Dear Journal,
The Mets suck! First they spend almost the entire season on top of the National League before going into the tank in September and missing the playoffs completely. Then they let Paul Lo Duca walk, which I'm okay with, and trade Guillermo Mota for Johnny Estrada. After that they trade away the talented, if slightly attitude-challenged Lastings Milledge for a mediocre low-ceiling outfielder and a no-hit catcher. Oh, and then they released Estrada. Can you say “AHHHHH”?!? What an off-season ….

AFTER: Tuesday, January 29 th , 6:33 PM
Dear Journal,
The Mets rock! Getting Johan Santana for a package of minor leaguers is the biggest thing since Mike Piazza got to town in '98. And there's not a sure thing in the bunch from the prospects they traded. And Mike Pelfrey wasn't one of them. This is freakin' great! We're going to the Series! We'll be unbeatable! Woo hoo!

Now, of course, I don't really have a Mets journal, but if I did (and there wouldn't be anything wrong with that) the above would be a pretty good representation of my feelings on those two days. I don't believe my team needs to make a big splash every off-season, but the Mets were in need of an upgrade this winter. 2007 was a failure and it was hard to picture them improving in 2008 with the same roster minus Tom Glavine. Now with Santana, they've gone from playoff contender to National League favorite in one day. And that has given me a lot more February 29ths than February 28ths ever since.

It's been a great season to be a cubs fan.
Written by Kevin Krayer
August 18, 2008

I've seen more home wins this year that any I can remember. My current

4 Years Later: Examining the Pedro Martinez Signing
Written by Shane Seaburg
May 5, 2008

4 years and $54 Million Dollars. Not bad, huh? Especially it would seem when you only have to work a full year...

This is painful
Written by Eric Tuttle
June 16, 2008

This is painful. It competes with loosing in the playoffs after Seattle won 116 games in the regular season...

WE ARE LOOKING for a few fan correspondents for each team. If your interested send us an email.

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