NEWSLETTER
You read that right, folks. Somehow, some way, for some reason, the Chicago Cubs recently scouted formerly awesome pitcher, and currently broken guy, Pedro Martinez.
A source close to Pedro Martinez indicated tonight that both the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays have watched Martinez throw in the Dominican and both teams have begun to at least explore how much money it would take to lure Martinez back to the mound. Red Sox blog.
Where exactly would Martinez fit in the Cubs plans? Sure, Sean Marshall can move to the bullpen, but that is already going to happen when Rich Harden returns this weekend.
Would Pedro consider pitching out of the Cubs pen? Would he even be effective out of the pen, or would he require several days’ rest between outings? Or even more intriguingly, could it mean that one of the Cubs starters is on the way out? What would Randy Wells bring in return right about now? Who shot J.R.? Is that enough questions for you?
Martinez is evidently ready to get going with the remainder of his career after pitching well in the World Baseball Classic in March. Martinez was reportedly looking for a $5 million deal and most teams shied away because they felt the return from the 36-year-old Martinez wouldn’t live up to the outlay of cash. Martinez is expected to be a five or six inning pitcher once he gets back in uniform. It’s not known how much time Martinez would need to get into playing shape or whether he would need to make a few minor league starts.
Martinez threw his fastball at around 94 mph.
That last tidbit makes me think there’s at least a little bit of puffing going on here.
If Martinez is only going to be a 5 inning guy – and he would be – I can’t fathom the Cubs having interest, even on a low, low cash deal, unless he could work out of the pen.
