Do the Cubs have interest in Pedro?
According to the Bucks County Courier Times the Phillies fun with Pedro Martinez appears to be over. There are two suitors for the services of the 38 year old future HOFer. The LA Dodgers and your Chicago Cubs:
As much as both sides enjoyed their 2 1/2-month joyride together, all signs point to a breakup with Martinez, now a free agent right-hander, finding a new home for 2010. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs reportedly are possible landing spots for Martinez, who did prove in his short time with the Phillies that he has something left after having consecutive injury-riddled seasons with the New York Mets from 2007-08.
Martinez, 38 as of last month, plans on pitching next season – his agent made that clear this week – but the three-time Cy Young winner will be looking for something the Phillies almost certainly won’t be willing to offer.
Martinez wants to pitch every five days, and the Phillies already have a five-man rotation under contract for next season plus hotshot prospect Kyle Drabek close to being major-league ready.
On top of that, Pedro is expected to be offered more money than the Phillies would want to commit for a pitcher who hasn’t pitched a full season since 2006.
Pedro may want to pitch every five days, but at this point you have to question whether or not that is even possible. The last time Pedro made 30 starts was 2005, his first year with the Mets. Although he pitched well for the Phillies this past season it was in a very limited role. At this point Jim Hendry would be taking a real gamble signing Pedro Martinez.
wpbc
jackfsu
jeremyt32
If he is willing to take something incentive-laden, it could work out. That way, the rotation to start the year would be Zambrano, Dempster, Wells, Pedro (presumably), and then the winner of the Marshall, Gorzelanny, Samardzija battle in Spring Training.
When Lilly comes back from the shoulder surgery, it gives them flexibility in the rotation. It also hopefully strengthens the rotation enough to not have to rush Lilly back before he is ready.
All that said, I’d prefer they try to get Sheets for a reasonable amount – if that is even possible.
Aisle 424
November 18, 2009 at 10:46 am
The last time Pedro made 30 starts was 2005, his first year with the Mets.
Isn’t this why getting rid of Rich Harden is a good thing? So, replace him with a guy older, more injured, and pay him the same?
Take this plus the Grabow signing and the emerging picture of Tom Ricketts ain’t very good.
Chuck
November 19, 2009 at 4:03 pm
meet the new boss…
wpbc
November 19, 2009 at 4:28 pm