Pedro Martinez Agrees to Minor-League Contract with Red Sox
By Brian Phair
Finally, the news we have all been waiting for since last season: Pedro Martinez is making a comeback in the place he loves best. In an effort to build pitching depth, Theo Epstein signed the Dominican righty to a minor-league deal, with the hopes that he can get into shape and be in the majors sometime after the All-Star break for the stretch run. Pedro has always said he loved his time in Boston and misses the Fenway Park crowd, so now he potentially gets another chance to experience that feeling. After throwing out the 1st pitch to begin the 2010 season a Fenway, Pedro spoke briefly with Epstein, dropping a seed for future conversations. What a great day for Red Sox Nation…
Pedro returned to baseball in 2009 to play part of the season for the Philadelphia Phillies and had some success. He finished with a 5-1 record and a 3.63 ERA in 9 starts, striking out 37 batters in 44.2 innings. If he can perform at that level for the Red Sox, they would be pretty happy. Depth in the starting rotation is the key to a long post-season run, so having the lovable veteran ready to go will be crucial. No one wishes injuries on pitchers, but it is bound to happen, and this is their insurance policy. If no one in the starting rotation is injured down the stretch, the Red Sox have the option to leave Pedro in the minors or cut ties with the veteran. They also may choose to use Pedro in the bullpen late in games, adding relief depth.
Throughout his 7 years with Boston, Pedro compiled one of the best resumes in baseball history, with a 117-37 record and an astonishing 2.52 ERA, but he will also be known as one of the most fun-loving club house guys. One of the best moments in his tenure with the Red Sox is when Nomar Garciaparra duct-taped him to a poll during a game in 1999, epitomizing their relationship. Having Pedro in the clubhouse down the stretch run will surely help the team chemistry and create a more relaxing atmosphere. If you haven’t figured it out yet, April Fools. Don’t you wish I weren’t joking? A little part of me does…
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