METS PUSH BACK PEDRO'S RETURN  —  The pitching help that the struggling Mets could use most - three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez - won't be arriving anytime soon.  —  GM Omar Minaya told The Post the Mets now expect a strained left hamstring to sideline Martinez until at least the middle of May - and possibly into June.

JORGE MULLS HIS OPTIONS  —  Jorge Posada is mulling the pros and cons of getting a cortisone shot in his ailing right shoulder.  —  “It's 50/50 it would work because of where the problem is,” Posada told The Post during batting practice last night at Tropicana Field.

Tribe closer says he ‘had nothing’  —  Joe Borowski doesn't know what's wrong.  One day he feels like he can throw the ball through a brick wall.  —  “The next day, I feel like I'm throwing through water,” said Borowski.  —  Monday night, Borowski should have come to the mound …

Brewers supposedly have signed Weaver  —  I received a tip from a reliable source this morning that the Brewers have signed free-agent right-hander Jeff Weaver to an incentive-laden deal.  —  I'm traveling to St. Louis this morning and won't be able to get it confirmed with club management until later …

One-game playoff won't be forgotten  —  Rockies, Padres fought for 13 innings for Wild Card berth  —  The Rockies rejoiced and the Padres went home.  —  One moment, two teams and a season defined for both that became indelible stamps that fans of each franchise will remember forever.

Jeter talks about Jackie Robinson  —  Yankees shortstop discusses importance of No. 42  —  Derek Jeter was growing up in Kalamazoo, Mich., when he first heard the name “Jackie Robinson” from his father, Dr. Charles Jeter.  In the years since becoming a Major League Baseball player …

Schilling laughs off Yankee talk  —  Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling reiterated this morning his previous assertion that he would not consider pitching for the Yankees next season, despite comments to the contrary from his personal doctor.  —  “[Schilling] called me when he was angry …

Chamberlain Leaves Yanks to Join His Ill Father  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Part of the budding legend of Joba Chamberlain is his close bond with his father, Harlan.  For several games this season, at home and on the road, Harlan Chamberlain has been around the Yankees …

How to explain this?  —  Ramírez not quite sure on HR details  —  CLEVELAND - The playful face and sometimes quizzical comments are back.  The old Manny Ramírez, the one who talked and smiled and hit home runs at a prodigious pace, is back.  Though he managed to insert …

Pitching Mechanics: Clay Buchholz  —  Red Sox phenom Clay Buchholz is one of the most-watched pitchers this year as Boston fans hope to see more of the outstanding stuff that he showcased in 2007, throwing a no-hitter in just his second major league start.  Everyone knows that Buchholz …

Trade hasn't hurt Marlins in standings  —  They're watching the standings in both leagues.  They see that they're in first place and the Detroit Tigers are in last place.  —  There's a feeling of pride, for sure, but no one on the Marlins is gloating.  —  “They've got their hands full …

ChiSox's Thome suspended one game for outburst  —  NEW YORK — Jim Thome of the Chicago White Sox was suspended for one game Tuesday and fined an undisclosed sum by Major League Baseball for “inappropriate actions” during a game against Detroit last week.  He was ejected for arguing a call after he struck out.