Philadelphia Phillies Sign Pitcher Pedro Martinez

After a one-year hiatus, Pedro Martinez is returning to the major leagues with a new team. The Philadelphia Phillies signed Martinez to a 1-year deal, worth $1 million, a contract that Martinez agreed to. There is also an extra $1.5 million that Martinez could earn if he completes his incentives. Martinez underwent and passed a physical on Tuesday and was welcomed to the team at a news conference on Wednesday. Immediately after being signed by the Phillies, he was put on the 15-day disabled list with a mild shoulder strain. Martinez will probably start a rehabilitation assignment in the minors before having his first major league start of the season.

The Phillies scouts were interested in Pedro since the beginning of the season. They watched him throw two simulated games and they were impressed by what they saw. They said that Martinez was throwing much better than his last few starts with the Mets, and that he was in great shape.

This will be Martinez's fifth MLB team. His previous four teams have been: Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. Martinez has had the best success with the Boston Red Sox and his first few years with the Mets. His only World Series championship came in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. In his 2008 season with the New York Mets, Pedro finished with a 5-6 record, the first losing record of his career, and with a career-high 5.61 ERA. After not being able to sign with a MLB team after the 2008 season, Martinez decided to pitch in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic. Martinez proved that he was still an effective pitcher, having six scoreless innings in two starts.

Martinez will be entering his 17th MLB season, and this could very well be his last season. Martinez, who will be 38 in October, has a career record of 214-99, with a career ERA below 3.00 and over 3,000 strikeouts. His accomplishments include being an 8-time All-Star selection, being a 3-time Cy Young Award winner (1997, 1999, 2000), as well as leading the American League in strikeouts and ERA numerous times. Martinez is sure to be a Hall of Famer after he retires.

Pedro Martinez might not be the only pitcher that the Phillies are going after this season. They have shown great interest in Toronto Blue Jays Ace Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays are actively trying to trade the former AL Cy Young Award winner.