On Tuesday, Buster Olney proposed the Mets should prepare for 2007 under the assumption Pedro Martinez would be unfit to pitch. Wednesday morning, the New York Daily News’ Adam Rubin claims the club are taking steps in that direction by tossing cash at Tom Glavine that will keep the lefthander in Flushing past his 42nd birthday.

Not only does Tom Glavine appear poised to remain a Met, he apparently intends to pitch in Flushing through the 2008 season. Glavine and the Mets are deep in discussions about a two-year, $25 million contract that should be completed shortly, a source told the Daily News.When Glavine cleaned out his locker the day after the Mets’ Game 7 ouster in the NLCS, he indicated his family’s preference would be the primary factor in whether he remained a Met or returned to the Braves. Signing with Atlanta would allow Glavine to be near his wife, Christine, and his two sons at his home in Alpharetta, Ga.

“The only reason, really, that it’s even a question is my family,” Glavine said Oct. 20. Glavine also suggested that day that ’07 would be his final season, provided he notched 10 more victories and reached the 300 plateau.

However, one other factor has since surfaced and appears to have altered the southpaw’s mindset. Glavine, who has shared a stage with John Smoltz and Greg Maddux throughout their distinguished major-league careers, would prefer not to enter the Hall of Fame in the same class as Maddux, according to a source. Maddux figures to retire after the ’07 season, meaning Glavine would need to pitch through ’08 to ensure they are in separate classes if both are elected on the first ballot.

Through the wonders of internet balloting, the likes of Ken Harrelson, Joe Buck, Ron Santo all have a shot at the Ford C. Frick Award. So hang in there, Steve Lyons, there’s hope for you, yet.