Pedro Martinez, his right shoulder still in a sling, predicts he will return to the Mets during the second half of the 2007 season, and will be stronger when he comes back.

"I'm going to work my tail off and get better," Martinez said in an interview published yesterday in the New York Daily News. "I'm actually feeling better right now -- already. I'm very optimistic that with hard work, which I know how to do, and with the proper rehab, I should be right back. And I'm supposed to be better than I was."

Martinez had surgery last Thursday to repair a torn rotator cuff.

"I'm very, very optimistic and very happy about the results," Martinez said. "Right now, the doctor just told me today that I looked like a month after surgery -- and it's only been a week -- because of the way everything is moving around and the way that I'm feeling and the way my flexibility is reacting to the surgery. That's more than good news."

As for his plan going forward, Martinez added: "I'm supposed to start in five weeks what you would call 'normal rehab' on the shoulder. As of now, I'm going to stretch my arm like I've been doing and do what I have to do."

He plans to be at Shea during the NLCS, cheering on his teammates.

"I'm really proud of them and I'm here to support them," Martinez said.

ROUNDUP PINIELLA TO THE CUBS? The Cubs' managerial job is looking more and more like it has Lou Piniella's name written all over it. Although Joe Girardi impressed the Cubs in Monday's interview, general manager Jim Hendry appears to be leaning toward Piniella, in part because of his winning track record and partly because Hendry sees Piniella as a manager who can help the Cubs win in a hurry.

NATIONALS EYE GIRARDI: The Washington Nationals have spoken twice to Girardi, an indication that he's a serious candidate for the vacancy created by the departure of Frank Robinson.

GIANTS LINE UP CANDIDATES: San Francisco, looking for a manager to replace Felipe Alou, is believed to have interest in former Arizona skipper Bob Brenly, who was a catcher for the Giants and coached there under Dusty Baker. The Giants also may interview Mets coaches Manny Acta and Jerry Manuel, the former White Sox manager. Manuel told reporters in San Francisco that he would be "very excited" to manage near his hometown of Sacramento.

PADRES RELEASE THREE EX-SOX: Second baseman Mark Bellhorn, infielder Manny Alexander and relief pitcher Scott Williamson -- all former members of the Red Sox -- were released yesterday by San Diego, which claimed left-hander Justin Hampson on waivers from the Colorado Rockies. Bellhorn, who played for the Sox from 2003-05, batted .190 with 8 home runs and 27 RBI in 115 games. Alexander (in Boston in 2000) split 2006 between Triple-A Portland and San Diego, batting .176 with four RBI in 22 games for the Padres. Williamson (2003-04) went 2-4 with a 5.72 E.R.A. in 42 relief appearances for the Padres and the Cubs.

MILLER TIME: Milwaukee Brewers catcher Damian Miller exercised his $2.25-million option for 2007 yesterday.