It’s looking more and more like future Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez will be wearing red pinstripes. Earlier today, Dominican paper Candela Deportiva reported the Phillies had signed the three-time American League Cy Young Award winner to a one-year $4 million contract.  This spurred all sorts of speculation from all media outlets, but was later debunked by GM Ruben Amaro Jr. when he said:

“He has not been signed.  We’ve seen him pitch.  He’s not in town.”

But when asked if the Phillies have reached an agreement with Pedro, all Amaro could say was:

“No comment.”

Based on that comment it seems an announcement can come in the next day or so.

When I first heard the news the Phillies were scouting Pedro I wasn’t really into it.  I was never a fan of his and he pretty much did squat in final three seasons with the Mets (17-15).  Plus a month ago he worked out for scouts for 10 teams and there was little interest.  Reports were his fastball couldn’t get above 85 mph.  After hearing more recent reports that in his Tuesday workout for the Phillies he hit 93 mph and was consistantly between 88-91, it sounded a little more encourageing.  I can get over a personal dislike if he could be an asset to the Phillies pitching staff.

That being said, if the possible addition of Pedro is at the back of the rotation to replace Rodrigo Lopez or Antonio Bastardo, or to replace J.A. Happ (should he be dealt in a trade), I’m into it.  He’s a veteran arm with World Series experience, who is able to anchor the back of the rotation.

Should this move be in-lieu of acquiring a frontline starter like Roy Halladay, it’s nothing less than terrible.  An addition of another stater who you can only hope to squeeze out five innings is not what you need when you’re going for another championship run.

What happens next remains to be scene…