PORT ST. LUCIE –- Pedro Martinez looked like he was in mid-season form this morning during his final spring dress rehearsal. With Brian Schneider catching, Pedro threw 80 pitches in six simulated innings against a lineup made up mostly of Mets minors leaguers. There was no umpire, although Martinez’s curveball looked terrific.

The Mets had Pedro pitch to minor leaguers instead of the Marlins here this afternoon because Florida is the Amazin’s first opponent of the season. Martinez is scheduled to start against the Marlins at Dolphin Stadium next Tuesday.

Robert Parnell took Pedro’s Grapefruit League start today.

For more on Pedro’s afternoon and his thoughts on the season, read tomorrow’s Post …