The Phillies picked up first ballot hall of famer Pedro Martinez today…and immediately placed him on the 15 day disabled list. This pick up baffles me because of the possibility of picking up Roy Halladay and plus Martinez is not the same pitcher he was four years ago when he had his last decent season. Since his second year with the ack, agh, cough, sorry I started to choke. Since Martinez’s second year with the Mets he has won a combined 17 games out of 48 starts…ouch. In his 18th year of his career Martinez will be of no assistance to the dwindling starters of the Phillies. If anything he’s going to only be a teacher to the younger members of the pitching staff like J.A. Happ, or Antonio Bastardo. Hey, maybe Pedro can even teach Cole Hamels a thing or two about how to add some different aspects to his change up. After all, Martinez’s circle change is one of the best, maybe not as of recent but he does know how to pitch.
His ability to teach is what I value most for the Philadelphia Phillies. He may get a handful of starts but when it comes down too it, Martinez just does not have the stuff he used to. I remember seeing him strike out five of six batters during two innings of work in the 1999 All-Star game with a mid to high nineties fast ball and a vicious cutter. But that was 10 years ago and he is now throwing Regan-era fastballs. Again, I have to mention his teaching potential. As long as Martinez doesn’t lose in the NL East and gets a win or two then I have to welcome him to the World Champion Phillies. Martinez said in a press conference that he could surprise us. I hope but in the meantime, let’s go 45.
As for the rest of the Phightin’ Phils…how about the five All-Star selections? Congratulations Chase Utley, Raul Ibañez, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth. I mean a combined 1 for 8 in the game wasn’t the greatest but hey, at least we’re four games up in the east. Let’s hope for a better second half and hope the Mets choke out sooner than expected.
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