How’s that for an inflammatory headline?

No, Pedro Martinez hasn’t demanded an extension from the Mets (though it’s very possible that it’s been discussed internally), however according to a report in the New York Post today, Pedro’s agent, Fernando Cuza seems to be laying the groundwork for negotiations in the not-too-distant future.

“As long as he’s able to pitch without the discomfort and the pain, he’s going to want to play for a long time,” Cuza said. “He enjoys the game.”

Pedro remains confident and energized following his triumphant return to the mound last September, in which he was the sole bright spot for a tumbling Mets club. Pedro went 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA in five starts that month, recording 32 strikeouts and walking only seven through 28 innings of work.

Pedro’s performance certainly was impressive, and he once again proved to all his doubters that he is one of the most intelligent and savvy pitchers in the game’s modern era, and that even with an 88 mph fastball he can dominate most NL lineups.

Should the Mets have an interest in extending Pedro? Of course they should. If all goes well, Pedro should not only form a dominating 1-2 punch with Johan Santana at the top of the Mets’ rotation, but should also serve as a valuable mentor to the Amazin’ new ace, who, in addition to being a very similar pitcher to Pedro in his prime, comes to the Mets under extremely similar circumstances to Pedro’s own arrival in Boston in ‘98.

Moreover, the acquisition of Santana has left an already barren farm system utterly devoid of good young arms. As the roster stands today (plus Santana), Mike Pelfrey looks to be the guy who will shuttle between AAA and Shea this season whenever El Duque or Pedro are forced to miss a start. There surely will not be a spot for El Duque in the rotation beyond this season, at which point the team will hope Pelfrey can prove a capable 5th starter in the majors. However, face facts: With Pelfrey still a question mark, Duque almost certainly departing, and Oliver Perez an impending free agent, the Mets need Pedro in 2009 and beyond.

Of course, now really isn’t the time for such talk. Let’s get Santana under contract first and see how 2008 goes. I think the Mets will be ecstatic if they can get 150+ innings from Pedro and close to 15 wins, at which point extending his contract will seem almost a no-brainer. There will be bumps in the road, molehill injuries that will turn into mountains by the media, however, I have a feeling that 2008 will be a successful season, both for Pedro and the Mets.