Read: The Three Wise Men
In the Star-Ledger, Dan Graziano describes Tom Glavine, Orlando Hernandez and Pedro Martinez as being ‘The Three Wise Men.’
…which is a great nickname, by the way…
Martinez, talking to reporters after his last start, said…
“You have to consistently go up there thinking about what you want to do, have a purpose with every pitch, and actually try to keep your mind and composure and do what you have to do…At this stage, I look more like a Glavine-type of pitcher than I used to. I used to be a power pitcher, and I realize I am no more a power pitcher. So, I rely on knowledge, experience and location most of the time.”
In his recent report for ESPN.com, Jayson Stark quotes a scout as saying of Martinez…
“I watched his first start on video, and I thought, ‘Boy, his arm looks slow, his arm slot has dropped, his stuff looks flat.’ Then I saw the next one in person, and he just carved them up. You don’t see many guys whose fastball ranges from 82-90, but with him it’s by design. He locks those hitters into one speed. Then, when he needs it, he can still dial one up at 89 or 90. And his changeup is still so deceptive, guys just can’t pick it up. He gets them a little anxious, gets them out front and he just slices them up. Is he anywhere near what he used to be? No. But he’s one of those guys who is always going to figure out a way to get people out.”
…i.e., he’s a wise man…just like the other two…
