Pedro's plan is to pitch; for what team is the question
A report in the New York Daily News Saturday confirms what the agent for Pedro Martinez and Martinez's friend Guy Conti had said -- that the 37-year-old pitcher intends to continue his career in 2009. And the report, datelined Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, quotes Martinez as saying so.
The newspaper asks whether Martinez, a free agent, will return to the Mets and wonders about him pitching again for the Red Sox but explores neither possibility beyond a passing mention. It indicated the pitcher hasn't discussed his plans for the immediate future with his agent Fernando Cuza.
The report quotes Martinez as having said "I haven't really thought about baseball. But I do want to play. I'm not going to talk about it until January. I'm away from all that. I know I'm a free agent. One thing - I'm getting ready because I know how long it takes to get ready. I'm working out. I'm doing everything I have to do. Right now, I'm fishing, training and at home with the family."
Conti, Martinez's confidant, and the Mets' bullpen coach during the pitcher's four season at Shea Stadium, said in October Martinez had begun a conditioning program with plans to pitch again. The Mets have expressed little interest in Martinez who, because of injury and uneven performance, has little significant impact on the team's 2008 season. He rarely is mentioned in the club's plans for 2009, despite the Mets' need for starting pitching. They have not dismissed the chance of him returning but have a sense that he wouldn't accept a contract consistent with their assessment of his value.
-- Marty Noble
Pedro used to be a great pitcher but he is clearly over the hill. He was a power pitcher, now he needs to be a location pitcher. He just doesn't have the same stuff he used to. I think it could be time for Pedro to hang up the cleats.
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IMHO the Mets would be making a big mistake if they don't take Pedro back. He's still has a lot left in the tank. Last year was a fluke - he had a lot of distractions with his father passing away and a few injuries. With all that he just couldn't get in good groove and never was sharp despite having a pretty good k/IP ratio (87Ks in 109 INs). That shows me that he still has some pretty good stuff. Hey Omar! if you're looking for a very good 4th or 5th starter - Pedro's eager to come back a pitch for the Mets.
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If Pedro comes back to the American League, namely the Red Sox, it would be as a relever. As a Sox fan, I would be syked out of mind to see Pedro as a setup man in the pen. He would be a great fit personality wise and provide insurance against the unknown and injury prone Ramon Ramirez. Not that Pedro isn't injury prone himself. But maximum flexibility with Masterson and Bucholz would be a benifit.
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As a Red Sox fan, I have fond memories of Pedro but I'm not so sure I would want to see him back. He's had some injuries the last few years, did not have a great year last year and I'm not sure how much of a help he would be to us. I'd much rather have Lowe here then Pedro.
Julia
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i say get rid of pedro hes 37 yrs old coming off a disapointing season he should retire or go somewhere where he can pitch from the bullpen
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