Pedro may pitch himself into extension with Mets

Instead, Martinez seems to be relishing the opportunity, just as he is the season ahead of him, without worrying about his upcoming free agency.“I’ve got to prove that I’m healthy and I’m worth another contract,” Martinez said. “That’s being realistic. I’m committed to pitching, to doing for this team what I didn’t do last year. They probably needed me more than I thought.”

Last season was more about survival for Martinez. This year, however, Martinez enters with a totally different mind-set and has people believing he could win a fourth Cy Young Award.

Johan Santana is on track to start Opening Day on March 31 in Miami, but when someone asked Martinez Tuesday if he was still considered an ace, he conceded nothing.

“I’ll take my chances against anybody, not only Santana,” Martinez said. “Santana is the best right now to my understanding—probably the best pitcher in baseball. But you match me with anybody, let’s see what happens.”

It’s spring training so everyone is optimistic. That said, it sure does sound like Pedro is feeling well and looking good on the mound. I also am not worried about the situation. If Pedro is healthy and pitching well, Minaya has a good enough relationship with Pedro that negotiations should not be that tough.