Tue May 20 12:08:39 2008

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Report: Mets' Martinez considering retirement

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is considering retirement after this season, according to the New York Daily News.

The veteran right-hander cited concerns over his 78-year-old father's failing health. Pablo Martinez is currently suffering from a form of brain cancer.

"It's taking a toll on me and my family, my dad's situation," Martinez told the Daily News. "I haven't been there for them. I just realized that between last year and this year, I haven't been there for my family, my parents.

"That'll probably drag me away from the game a little sooner than people expect."

The 36-year-old Martinez, who is currently rehabbing an injured left hamstring at the Mets' minor league facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida, plans to make a final decision after the season.

"After this season, I'm going to go back home and think about it and I'm going to decide," Martinez added.

A three-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time All-Star, Martinez is in the final season of a four-year deal he signed with the Mets after helping the Boston Red Sox capture a World Series championship in 2004.

Martinez, who has a sterling 209-93 career record with a 2.81 earned run average in parts of 17 big league seasons, is expected back shortly by the Mets.