It's at least partially mental. The guy does not want to be a relief pitcher, and he sees the Mets bringing guys up and trading for Hernandez, without giving him a chance. The Mets needed a starter coming out of spring training, and he pitched almost perfect baseball the entire spring. Then they gave the job to Bannister. I've heard that his agent has asked, not demanded, that the Mets look into trading him to a team looking for a starter.