First off, anthology is not the correct word, but it is all could think of with the limited time that I have.

Second, I would like to thank Fishsticks, Jrsyeagle, Hoyamarlin, Marlins2003 and RotoWorld before I start.

Here is how the Pedro Martinez rumor went chronologically.

January 8.

Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, is expected to speak with Minaya next week. The right-hander could be open to an incentive-heavy, one-year contract to return to the Mets.

January 9.

"I went over to the Mets with something in mind, to win a World Series in the National League, and I haven't achieved that," said Martinez, who just completed a four-year, $53 million contract.

"I'm anxious to get out there with the team that we have right now. We should be really close to a team that will win it all, and I want to be part of it."

 

January 11.

Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night.

(Emphasis is mine.)

Later January 11.

A baseball source who has spoken with the front office said a report the Marlins were in early negotiations with the three-time Cy Young winner was bogus. A hamstring injury slowed Martinez last season, contributing to his ineffectiveness in 20 starts for the Mets. He went 5-6 with 5.61 ERA, 44 walks and 87 strikeouts in 109 innings.

In addition, Martinez, 37, damaged his rotator cuff in 2006 and made just five starts in 2007, which he mostly spent rehabbing from the surgery.

Normally when something like this happens it is the player's people releasing information in order to use it as a bargaining chip.  In this case, it allows Martinez's agent to go to the Mets and claim there is interest in Pedro.  In other words, you (the Mets) are going to have to pay or at least structure a contract that maybe pays to get him onboard.  

It is just a ploy, nothing else.