Pedro looking to sign soon

April 27, 9:23 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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Pedro Martinez is reportedly ready to pitch soon, and may make his decision on a 2009 team over the next few days.  His asking price is still believed to be $5M for one year, a price many teams aren’t thrilled about – but the demand for a capable starter has increased somewhat due to injuries and ineffectiveness.  Here’s a rundown of Pedro’s potential suitors:

• Washington Nationals: The Nats reportedly have mild interest in Pedro – he would certainly bring them some credibility and a few more wins.  Normally I’d be against a signing like this for a rebuilding franchise, but the Nationals need all the help and excitement they can get.
• Los Angeles Angels: The need is there, but the interest may not be.  I think they’ll look at Paul Byrd first, and rumor has it they are scouting the independent leagues!
• Los Angeles Dodgers: They were mentioned as a possible destination for Pedro during the offseason, and with Hiroki Kuroda out indefinitely he may not be a bad option.  Despite the fit, they don’t like his asking price…
• Pittsburgh Pirates: They were also mentioned as a possible suitor this winter, but they may be the only team that doesn’t need Pedro’s services at all right now.
• New York Mets: The Mets have their problems on the hill, and are in need of a quality starting pitcher.  They haven’t come out with any specific interest in Pedro, but may respond if he makes himself available to them.
• Other possible suitors: St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles

Who will sign Pedro Martinez?  It’s tough to say at this point.  None of the MLB teams have come out and said they are definitely pursuing the future Hall of Famer, so it will likely be a quick move made without too much advance warning.  Perhaps teams are waiting until either the price comes down or they get more desperate.  Either way it will be interesting to see how this plays out and affects the balance of power in baseball.