Phillies scouts are down in the Dominican Republic taking a close look at future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez. They say they liked the way he threw the ball earlier in the week.
Yesterday, Phils GM Ruben Amaro Jr. wouldn't comment on the team's interest in signing Martinez.
Today, Martinez is going to pitch again tonight and reports say the Phils will make an attempt to sign him.
There has already been an erroneous report about the Phils signing him for $4 million dollars a year.
Martinez has had arm problems and arm surgery so there's a major question about him being able to stay healthy.
It wasn't his arm that broke down last year, it was his hamstring. The 37 year old started 20 games for the Mets last year with a 5-6 record and a 5.61 ERA.
There's a reason Martinez is still out there and available. The guy is damaged goods and will likely break down before the season is over.
It might not be his arm, it might be his knee or calf muscle. Old bodies start breaking down all over the place.
They must be able to get somebody who will likely be healthy for the playoffs.
I think Pedro is gong to break down. What good is he if he is on the DL?
It's all about winning more championships for this team. Martinez may give them five to six innings for awhile during the season but he will break down before the playoffs get here.
Getting to the playoffs means nothing to a defending World Series Championship team which plays in this terrible division.
It's something necessary to get another chance at the Series but it's really not the goal to aim for. The Phils have to aim higher than that.
Signing Martinez isn't aiming high enough. It would be better to sign a lesser pitcher who will stay healthy rather sign Pedro.
