So, during the All Star Game, word came through from a couple different Phillies’ beat writers on Twitter that the deal with Pedro Martinez is official. Word is that it is for a 1 year deal worth $1 million with an additional $1.5 million in incentives.
How could you not like this deal from the Phillies’ perspective? Total risk of $2.5 million for a future Hall of Fame pitcher? They had to do it.
Pedro has lost a lot since his days of dominance with the Red Sox, but apparently, the Phillies scouts think he has enough left to contribute. He’s got to be better than the peeps that the Fightins’ have been trotting out there in the 5th spot.
Now, Amaro has said that Martinez would need some minor league time before being able to face major league hitters. This would delay his debut with the Phillies, but for how long, no one knows. Hopefully he can be contributing to the team soon.
Good to see Amaro making moves, even though this is a very polarizing move among Phillies fans. Lots of people love it, lots hate it. We’ll see how it turns out.
-KK
Update: (7/15/09 9:21 AM) ESPN is now reporting that Pedro has signed and has been placed on the 15 day Disabled List. He’s been placed on the DL with a mild shoulder strain. Now I know people are going to say bad things now about the signing, but I think the DL stint is more of a way to get Pedro the time he needs in order to get himself ready for the majors. It keeps him off the roster and allows the Phillies a few weeks to make the decision on who is going to be sent down.
I still like this signing. Pedro will help. Time to get it started Pedro.
