Report: Red Sox Have Job Waiting For Pedro Martinez
BOSTON (CBS) - Whenever Pedro Martinez is ready to return to baseball, there is a spot waiting for him on the Red Sox.
However, it won't be a return to the mound for the 41-year-old Martinez, so fans shouldn't dust off those "K-Cards" just yet.
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington said over the weekend the team has talked to Martinez about joining the organization in some capacity in the near future, although he did not specify which role that would be.
"We've had discussions," Cherington told MLB.com. "He knows there is a role waiting for him when the time is right for him."
Martinez, who was in town for the Greater Boston Sports Collectors Club convention, last pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009. He finished his 18-year career 219-100 with a 2.93 ERA and 3,154 strikeouts. His best years came in Boston, where he went 117-37 with a 2.52 ERA over seven seasons.
Martinez said the Red Sox 2013 rotation is in good hands with Jon Lester and Clay Buccholz at the front end, but noticed a few things from the struggling starters last season.
"I saw a couple of things mechanically for Lester," Martinez told MLB.com. "[With] Buchholz it's just a matter of staying healthy, I think he's maturing enough and he's getting to where he needs to get. They both can be the ace of the team any time."
Whether Martinez had Boston's vacant pitching coach spot in mind when giving his critique is unknown.
One thing for certain is Martinez is very happy to see former teammate David Ortiz get a two-year, $26-million deal with the Red Sox.
"I think it's great," he said of the deal. "I think it's really smart for the Red Sox to actually start the new year with something positive."
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"I think Boston learned from their own experience what the fans and the players feel about Boston, and I think that they did a great job at signing David and bringing him back and probably have him finish his career here in Boston," Martinez said. "He earned it, and I think the Red Sox totally understand that David belongs here."
