Pedro Martinez to the Phillies?

Stephen Kersey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:46:37 +0000

If you believe the current Pedro Martinez rumors, the former All-Star pitcher could soon join the Philadelphia Phillies. In fact, Ruben Amaro Jr., the general manager of the Phillies, was recently spotted in the Dominican Republic watching Martinez pitch a simulated game.

Martinez supposedly wants a $5 million prorated for the amount of the season that remains. While the Phillies might bulk at guaranteeing all that money, they may give him a contract full of incentives that could end up lucrative if Martinez plays well.

The 37-year-old Martinez has a possible Hall of Fame resume, however he struggled last year with the New York Mets. In 20 starts, he registered a 5.62 ERA and finished with a record of 5-6.

By signing Martinez, the Phillies would hope that he could provide the pitching depth needed to make a run at back-to-back World Series championships.

It makes sense for the Phillies to sign Martinez around the All-Star break if both teams can agree financially.