This is just a question and not an endorsement of Randy Johnson. If you absolutely positively had to sign either Randy Johnson or Pedro Martinez just for 2009, which one would you sign and why?

Pedro because I know he can handle playing in New york. I also think Pedro will pitch well next season.

Pedro because Randy hated the NY media and could be a cancer to the clubhouse.

Pedro Yes. Atleast, if not anything else, Pedro would be a good clubhouse guy.

Pedro, no question. I think Randy's time with the Yankees tells us that he and NY do not mix well. Plus as much as a bust Pedro has been in NY pitching wise, I still love the guy. He is the ultimate professional and loves us fans and wants to win for us.

I love Pedro and everything but he has nothing left. He can barely reach 5 innings and he completely bombs almost every other start. I don't like Randy Johnson and he did struggle with NY but If I had to, I would take a chance with Randy Johnson. We already know how bad Pedro would be if he was brought back, at least there's hope with Johnson who actually had a good year last year.

Pedro...

In fact, I'd bring back Pedro, and let him work in the pen...maybe the set-up role. Pedro can't last long enough to be a starter, but his presence is just what this team needs. My guess is that he'd be great to have around our kids for a full season.

Although Pedro looked as though he had nothing left last season we must consider the circumstances. It was his first season back from labrum surgery and his mind was back home awaiting word of his gravely ill father. Perhaps with a clear head and another year removed from his surgery,there just may be something left in that right arm afterall. If he is willing to be a back of rotation guy and long man in the Pen and accept being paid accordingly,perhaps a deal can be worked with performance incentives for a year or two. I would steer clear of Randy Johnson. Aside from his back issues,the guys head has never been screwed on straight and should things not go his way he may become a derisive force in the clubhouse.

Pedro hands down,, he had a bad year last year due to his father's illness and death. I feel that took alot from him. Pedro is loved by Mets fans even though he would be the last option should we go there.....

quote:

Originally posted by Lucky:
Although Pedro looked as though he had nothing left last season we must consider the circumstances. It was his first season back from labrum surgery and his mind was back home awaiting word of his gravely ill father. Perhaps with a clear head and another year removed from his surgery,there just may be something left in that right arm afterall. If he is willing to be a back of rotation guy and long man in the Pen and accept being paid accordingly,perhaps a deal can be worked with performance incentives for a year or two. I would steer clear of Randy Johnson. Aside from his back issues,the guys head has never been screwed on straight and should things not go his way he may become a derisive force in the clubhouse.

Lucky, Pedro did say the other day he recognizes he's no longer a one, two, or number 3 pitcher. He knows where he is but I'm sure holds onto the hope he can be better than he has the past few seasons. And who knows, perhaps if healthy and better healed regarding his Dad, he will.

But if he peforms as he did last year, then he's done and he'll know it....and will get closure.

I like Pedro the person and so in that sense, it be nice to have him return. He said the other day he wants to be a Met. I think as fans we appreciate players who express that. And of course, if he does indeed pitch well in 2009, it would hurt if it's with some other team expecially one in our division like Atlanta or Florida which would put him closer to home.

I have mixed feelings about Pedro - I want him to be part of the team yet feel we need a less risky pitcher in both health and current prowess, and improved rotation. Sometimes it's time to move on.

In terms of Johnson, pitching-wise, he would be a fine back end starter - if healthy. Definitely - right now someone far more reliable than Pedro in capability. It's his age and injury history that's the problem. I consider his previous NY experience to be immaterial at this point given it's been a few years, we're the Mets...not the Yanks, and Johnson, in the twilight of his career may have different perception of NY and his status than he did with the Yanks. Every game could be his last so every start has such inherent value - the other stuff may no longer be big deal to him. And he wouldn't come here with expectation of being the ace...That's no longer his responsibility.

I'd really reather go with one of the kids than either of those two. Just don't think they have anything left in the tank.

quote:

Originally posted by Tonym713:
I'd really reather go with one of the kids than either of those two. Just don't think they have anything left in the tank.

Definetly. There's no doubt I would rather go into the season with Niese than either of these guys. I love Pedro and he's a great man but that doesn't qualify him to be in our rotation if were serious about a championship run.

quote:

Originally posted by TheNewMets:
Pedro, no question. I think Randy's time with the Yankees tells us that he and NY do not mix well. Plus as much as a bust Pedro has been in NY pitching wise, I still love the guy. He is the ultimate professional and loves us fans and wants to win for us.

I totally agree. Pedro as the #5 would not bother me. Now if you're expecting more than that from him at this point, then that might be a bit much but another year removed from surgery and injuries I think he will be stronger and maybe able to last a little longer in games.