 Reporter - "Pedro, that was a wonderful performance, are you going to pitch next year?"
Pedro - "I don't know, I have to ask my mom."
What? Wait, Pedro. Did you just get finished watching Water Boy for the 15th time? When did you become Bobby Boucher?
Pedro Martinez's outstanding performance in Game 2 of the NLCS certainly has the Dominican Dandy and everyone around baseball thinking about his baseball future beyond this season. Martinez seems increasingly eager to continue his stellar career next year, and his seven scoreless innings against the Dodgers suggest he's far from finished.
"I'm considering coming back next year if I don't win the World Series," Martinez said. "If I win the World Series, I'll think a bit longer. I'll have to ask my mom."
Martinez dominated the Dodgers nine days shy of his 38th birthday, hitting the biggest moment yet in his truncated season with Philadelphia. There wasn't anyone who thought that Pedro would throw this well this year.
Pedro Martinez went unsigned during the past off-season and had to wait until the all-star break this year to sign a one-year contract for a measly (in the world of baseball) a prorated share of $2 million plus incentives. If your game 2 NLCS starter throws a 7 inning shutout giving up only 2 hits for one million dollars, you got yourself a steal!
Martinez said that his mother implored him to stay home in the Dominican Republic this year, but Martinez wanted to honor the instructions he received last year from his father, Paulino, who died of brain cancer shortly after telling Pedro to keep playing.
This is going to be the Roger Clemens thing all over again, you can tell. Pedro will stay home during spring training running cock fights with Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo until sometime in late May. Then the rumors will start (started by him)..... Before you know it, teams will be flying down to the Dominican to watch the Dominican Dandy throw and some contender will offer him a contract and he'll pitch in meaningful pennant stretch baseball and maybe even the playoffs again.
You know what; I think he's earned it. We forget because of his last few health challenged seasons with the Mets what it was like to have Pedro in his prime. That was good for baseball. I think it was best put by Twins manager Ron Gardenhire this year. When talking about Zack Grienke and his Cy Young year (if he doesn't win it's a crime.)
"That kid has had the best year in the American League since Pedro Martinez in 1999 and 2000."
When you are a legend people are always compared to you. Pedro is a legend. If Pedro's mama would prefer that he make his livelihood running cock fights for a few months, that's ok by me. Just be here when it counts Pedro. You can pitch for me any time, any day. - Blake Kearny
Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles
Have a Fantasy Football or Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.
 
 |
