No Marlins deal, so Pedro to Mets?

Pedro Martinez will not be pitching for the Florida Marlins in 2009.

On Saturday night, a report on ESPNdeportes.com stated the Marlins had discussions with agent Fernando Cuza regarding Martinez. The report added Florida may have begun preliminary contract talks, and that the two sides were expected to continue talking this week.

As of late Sunday afternoon, the Marlins were not considered a possible fit.

Martinez has a home in Miami, and he has expressed privately a desire to pitch for the Marlins. On Monday, Cuza is expected to have discussions with the Mets about a possible return to New York. The right-hander also is expected to test the free-agent market.

Hampered by injuries last year, Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts. He threw 109 innings.

It's either Pedro was asking for too much, or Florida doesn't believe he's healthy, because they need some help in the rotation. Sergio Mitre is out for 50 games, and that means the Marlins can use a live arm. Maybe Pedro doesn't have one, or at least not enough of one.