It must be that time of year.

You know, the every-three-months, made-up Pedro Martinez "news."

A credible, widely-read news organization has a headline right now that reads, "Phillies talk to Martinez about second half return."

It's the top baseball story on this "world-wide sports leader's" website.

Here's the thing: none of this is news. Amaro made the same "we've talked to Pedro" comments three months ago at the end of spring training, when Joe Blanton injured his oblique.

They've kept a dialogue with Martinez. It hasn't gone any further than that.

If anything, Amaro downplayed any "Pedro could return" talk Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.


Here's a rundown on the Pedro-related questions:

Q: Have you talked to Pedro:
A: "I've talked to his agent a couple of times, but if I were a betting man, I would not necessarily count on him, but that does not rule the possibility out."

Q: Have you seen him throw?
A: I have not seen Pedro in a long time.

Q: Active talks with Pedro?
A: We're not negotiating.


So if that sounds like Pedro Martinez is bound for a flight to Philly, well.... you need some help in the reading comprehension department. Also interesting on how the aforementioned, widely-read story left out the "if I were a betting man" quote.

You know, we don't want to rain on anyone's Pedro parade or anything, I guess...