Pedro Martinez couldn't find a suitable employment opportunity prior to the 2009 Major League Baseball season, so he sat out until the Phillies came knocking in July. The 38-year-old pitcher started nine games, posting a record of 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA and helped the Phillies make a championship run that fell just a little short. Through his agent, Fern Cuza, who spoke to FOXSports.com, the three-time Cy Young Award-winner has made it clear that he would like to pitch in 2010. And Martinez wants to pitch the entire season this time.
His track record over the past four seasons hasn't been one of durability. In the three years prior to 2009, he averaged just 16 starts and had an ERA of 4.74. And even though he pitched well this season, his nine regular season and three postseason starts don't do a lot to prove Martinez can handle the rigors of 30 or more major league starts. Especially since he didn't make his first start until the middle of August.
That said, his 2009 winning record and sub-4.00 ERA combined with the fact that Martinez greatly reduced the number of batters he walked while increasing his strikeout totals should mean that some team will take a chance on him. It likely won't be a long-term contract though. A team could put together an incentive-laden one-year deal with a club option for a second year and take a low-risk, high-reward gamble on a pitcher who knows how to win, when healthy.
It's still too early to tell where Martinez will end up. It wouldn't be shocking to see him back in Philadelphia. Or he may retest the waters with the Dodgers or the Cubs, teams he spoke with prior to signing with the Phillies. Smart money keeps the hurler in the National League, and it's safe to imagine that he'll want to pitch for a contender. That narrows the list quite a bit.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I think that Pedro would be better off pitching only 2/3 of the season and preparing himself for the playoffs. So he had one bad game in the world series, so what look what he did before that. he gave the Phils a chance to win. I think every manager should look at findnig ways of getting their aging stars some needed rest during a grueling and long season.
The phillies should focus on tradeing Cole hamels in this off season yes this guy has so much potential and yes could be a great great pitcher one day.but after his no show in this world series and his comment(can"t wait for the season to be over)it is aparent he has no heart and will not be able to handle the presure that will come next year in philadelphia if he gets off to another bad start.Amaro is a very smart guy and knows philadelphians do not like players that quit on them.Cole Hamels and prospects for Roy Halladay makes to much sense to pass up.And should put us back in the world series next year.ftheyanks
even though im a yankee fan i have always admired pedro. in his prime he was as dominant as anyone whos ever pitched. problem is he just doesnt have enough to pitch against the yanks, redsox, angels, or phils for that matter. he will junkball you to death and put up a decent regular season, but once the postseason comes and there are no more royals and pirates to beat up on he is toast. same goes for smoltz and carl pavano. definitely worth the risk for a regular season for teams in need for pitching.