Starting Pitcher: Two teams like Pedro Martinez
Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times believes two teams, one from each league, are interested in Pedro Martinez.
From what I can gather, the Mets still have interest in Martinez, and are probably the lone National League team.
I believe Omar Minaya is sincere when he says publicly that his team would bring Martinez back to Queens. However, in either case, I sense Minaya is only willing to guarantee a one-year deal – similar to the incentive-filled contract that Brad Penny signed with the Red Sox.
The buzz around baseball suggests that Martinez may be willing to sign for less money with the Mets, as long as it’s a guaranteed contract, because he is disappointed with the performance he delivered during their previous four-year agreement.
Frankly – guaranteed, not guaranteed, minor-league deal, whatever – I feel it is time to move on from Martinez. I mean no disrespect to him, as he always be considered among my favorite pitchers of all time, but the Mets need to move beyond the last two seasons. If it’s not moving on from Martinez and Aaron Heilman, or Damion Easley and Endy Chavez, among others, than who is it? Plus, I’m tired of the climate of instability that Martinez brings. Every day he pitches, the story isn’t the Mets, wins or losses, it’s about his shoulder, or the height of the mound, or his velocity, and so on. I love him, but Mets need to move on.
By the way, there is a bit of online buzz suggesting the White Sox could be the American League team that is interested in Martinez.
Actually, my hunch had been that he would sign with the Dodgers, because a) it is where he started his career, and b) they are seemingly in need of a veteran starting pitcher – after losing Penny, Greg Maddux and Derek Lowe.
However, according to Hernandez, the Dodgers are not interested.
Lastly, if you’re thinking, ‘How come nobody is talking about Martinez as a relief pitcher,’ click here.
