ST. LOUIS - Pedro Martinez, one of the top righthanders in baseball history, will try to prove to the Phillies that he can still pitch.
The 37-year-old arrived in Philadelphia yesterday, and will undergo a physical at 11 a.m. today. Martinez will be examined by team medical personnel, and could finalize a contract with the Phillies shortly thereafter, if all goes well. The potential signing of Martinez will not preclude the Phils from seeking to trade for a top starter such as Toronto's Roy Halladay.
The Phillies first scouted Martinez July 6 in the Dominican Republic, when special assistant Charley Kerfeld watched the veteran throw a simulated game. The team again watched Martinez in a simulated game Friday. If he passes his physical and signs with the team, Martinez would likely need several minor-league starts to fine-tune his repertoire.
Martinez, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is 214-99 with a 2.91 earned run average in 17 seasons. Last year, he was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA for the New York Mets.
The Phils were well-represented at yesterday's all-star festivities, and players expressed excitement about the potential signing of Martinez.
"I think he can help us a lot," centerfielder Shane Victorino said.
"If he pitches and he's hungry like I've seen, he's the kind of big-game pitcher who wants the ball. . . . If we get him, I'm sure he'll be excited, and I guess we'll be excited, too. If we can get those two guys [Martinez and Halladay, another subject of intense speculation], then we put ourselves in a pretty good position."
Said rightfielder Jayson Werth: "I think he is going to fit in great with our club, and he's still got some bullets left."
Second baseman Chase Utley expressed initial skepticism about the news that Martinez was headed for a physical.
"Did we sign him?" Utley said. "Like, for sure? Is this rumor mill? Do you have pictures?"
Informed of the details, Utley said: "I've heard he is throwing better than he did last year. If that's the case, he's going to be good. He's tough."
Contact staff writer Andy Martino at 215-854-4874 or amartino@phillynews.com.
Staff writer Jorge Castillo contributed to this article.
