When someone like Pedro Martinez gives his opinion on pitching, it's best to take him seriously. That's why Mets fans should allow themselves a smile after hearing the three-time Cy Young Award winner rave about the club's young hurlers. Speaking at the MLB Fan Cave in Manhattan on Tuesday, Martinez spoke glowingly about the Mets trio of Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, and potential National League Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom.

"The Mets have the best nucleus of young pitchers. If they're smart and they handle them well, I think the Mets can really do something. Keep Harvey healthy and guiding the rest of the pack. If they do that, they're going to have a lot of fun in Queens."

One of the most dominant pitchers of his generation and certainly one of the most entertaining, Martinez called Queens home from 2005 through 2008, helping lead the Mets back to the postseason in 2006 before shoulder surgery cut his year short. No stranger to injuries, Martinez spoke of using caution with the arms of the Mets young hurlers.

"If they are eliminated and they (the pitchers) need to rest a little bit, they need to do it now so they can come back full of energy next year and kind of give you what Kansas City is doing now, a young team full of energy and desire to win."

In addition to his time in New York, Martinez pitched for the Dodgers, Expos, Red Sox, and Phillies, finishing his 18-year-career with a 219-100 record, a 2.93 ERA, and 3,154 strikeouts.