Posted: Thursday, July 9, 2009, 6:13 PM | 51 comments |
 

Martinez's agent denies report, but says interest is there
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Does Pedro Martinez fit what the Phillies need?
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Both the Phillies and the agent for future Hall of Fame righthander Pedro Martinez shot down reports that the two sides have reached an agreement. But talks between the two sides are very much alive, and a decision could come at some point in the near future.

"There is interest on both sides, I can tell you that," Martinez's agent, Fernando Cuza, told the Daily News Thursday afternoon.

The Phillies watched Martinez pitch a simulated game Tuesday and have been in constant contact with Martinez's camp. Cuza said that his client has other options besides the Phillies, but declined to specify how many.

Cuza said Martinez's goal is to be pitching for a Major League team once the All-Star Break ends next Thursday.

"The Phillies saw me this past Tuesday in a simulated game and I felt very good with my fastball and all my pitches," Martinez told the Associated Press.

The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner told the AP that it was up to his agent and the Phillies to wrap up the details.

Cuza says Martinez currently has "all of his options in front of him," and is currently in the decision-making process.

"I would say Pedro is getting close," Cuza said.

Candela Deportivo, a sports periodical from the Dominican Republic, reported yesterday that the Phillies and Martinez have agreed to a contract that would pay him $4 million for the rest of the season. But Cuza laughed that off, and Phillies general manager called the report "false."
Posted by David Murphy @ 6:13 PM  Permalink | 51 comments
51
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:22 PM, 07/09/2009
    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
    — Raiderfan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:31 PM, 07/09/2009
    Please no... Our bullpen will be dead by September.
    — phillyart
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:37 PM, 07/09/2009
    NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO, and just to get the point across NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    — jacksondog
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:42 PM, 07/09/2009
    Good move to get this out in the press... helps put some pressure and urgency on the Jays
    — Brauny
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:43 PM, 07/09/2009
    No for an Oakland fan? Sure no for you
    — jamarder
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:45 PM, 07/09/2009
    Id be happy to have Martinez, He would be our 3-4 spot in the rot. Would loooooove to get Halladay. Hallday,Hamels,Blanton,Martinez,Lopez.
    — Will.i.Am
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:57 PM, 07/09/2009
    I met Pedro down here in Fort Myers at City of Palms Park where the Red Sox Spring train when I worked for the News-Press. I think he can help us the rest of the season. He is a pretty decent guy and I think he would fit in......would't hurt !!!!!!!!
    — flabird1954
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:01 PM, 07/09/2009
    If Martinez if healthy, this is a good move. The guy can really pitch and has a ton of playoff experience. He also should be rested. I'll take 5-6 innings from him for the rest of the season anytime. The way our pitchers are throwing lately, going deep into the games, our pen should be all right. The guy is a gamer; he'll bring some needed fire in the clubhouse.
    — EL Zorro
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:07 PM, 07/09/2009
    I don't imagine the Phils are happy about having to shoot this news down today, of all days. Probably wanted to have Shane's All-Star election get its due attention, as well they (and he) should. As for whether Pedro's ready to go ... Rodrigo Lopez could barely throw batting practice for the last two years, and he has an ERA under 4 for us so far. I'd spend $3 million (not $4M) to find out whether Pedro has resuscitated himself. And if he hasn't, well, it's not like he's a local favorite, so they can just cut him and try something else.
    — Nutburgers
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:14 PM, 07/09/2009
    They are preparing to be able to trade Happ
    — PuPuMan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:25 PM, 07/09/2009
    Can't believe this could happen.. This guy will make you wish you still had Adam Eaton. Please pass on this one. This guy was done three years ago......
    — MB2009
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:32 PM, 07/09/2009
    Nice fit for Lakewood
    — mick314
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:34 PM, 07/09/2009
    This guy i think is a great guy. Local Classifieds Seattle Free Local Classifieds
    — worldstuffer_1
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:39 PM, 07/09/2009
    Calm down folks. This is a smokescreen. You can't negotiate with a team that thinks you have no other option.
    — Frank Lloyd Wrong
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:40 PM, 07/09/2009
    If he goes to the 'pen, i'll be all for it.
    — Downie27


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About David Murphy
David Murphy joined the Daily News as its Phillies beat writer in February of 2008. Born in Upper Merion and raised in the Poconos, he attended college at La Salle University before taking jobs with the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun-News and the St. Petersburg ( Fla. ) Times. E-mail Dave at dmurphy@phillynews.com.

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