Can Pedro Be A Difference Maker This Season

Much is being made about Pedro Martinez lately.

Not only will he be back soon, but that he is already negotiating with two clubs.

The AP reported,

Pedro Martinez could be back on a Major League Baseball mound soon.

The pitcher said on Wednesday that he has had talks with the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays and hopes to sign a contract in the near future.

“There’s a good chance I’ll be signing soon, but there still isn’t anything firm,” Martinez told The Associated Press.

Martinez, 37, has been training in his Dominican Republic homeland in hopes of returning to the majors. His four-year deal with the New York Mets ended after last season, making Martinez a free agent.

“Chicago and Tampa Bay are the two teams that have shown the most interest and we are negotiating with them, although I’ve told my agent not to call me until it’s a done deal,” he said.

I find it pretty odd that the Mets have shown no interest considering Johan Santana’s June swoon, Pelfrey’s mental lapses, Maine and Ollie’s injury concerns, and the fact that our number six starter Livan Hernandez is the most dependable starter in the past five weeks.

Martinez wants to sign with a team that he feels has the best chance of winning a pennant. “I need the emotion of competition,” he said.

Other teams that have been rumored to have interest include the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees who have a scout watching Pedro pitch today in the Dominican Republic.

Several questions…

1. Do you think the Mets should sign Pedro Martinez?

2. Would it bother you if he ended up with the Yankees, Phillies, Cubs, etc. and pitched solidly for them?