Pedro's Reaction to Second Rehab Start

After all of the negative publicity surrounding Pedro leaving Boston and his last few years there, I was ready for a whining prima dona. A real "me first" type of player. But since he has come here he has brought enthusiasm, drive, grittiness's and fun to the team. I really think the lack of swagger is partially because he is not with the club this year. He has been nothing put positive and even his comments that he only wants to come up if he can be better than whose place he is taking (which would right now be Brian Lawrence) show his team first mentality. I know he has said all the things he is supposed to say, but just listening to him, he just sounds sincere.

Even though he has been hurt a lot, all that he has brought to the Mets in terms of energy and that other players now want to sign here (think of the Juan Gone debacle from the early 2000's), I think makes Pedro the most important move the organization has made in Minaya's tenure.

I know Beltran signed because of the money, but would you sign a monster contract with the Pirates or take just a couple million less and be with a team that contends every year (like the Yankees)? Really, what is the difference between $117 and the $111 the Yankees were purportedly offering? If we are not making moves to be contenders, I think many would have gone with the SLIGHTLY smaller money and the chance to play for multiple rings. Pedro's signing made the Mets instant playoff contenders and I think that is why we now can get the Beltran's and Alou's, and its why once LoDuca, El Duque, and Castillo were traded here, they want to resign and stay here.