Pedro Wants $5.5 Million Minimum

[love_that_reefer]

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that Pedro Martinez is seeking a "$5.5 million base salary with $5 million in incentives."
That seems like a crazy number in this economy, but it's not far off what the Red Sox gave to John Smoltz, who is 41 and coming off shoulder surgery. Martinez made 20 starts last season compared to Smoltz's five. Rosenthal, however, believes the Dodgers might be the only club willing to risk $5.5 million on Pedro.

I don't think even the Dodgers are willing to go that high with Pedro. Pedro did have a good start to his WBC season but he will have to keep it up to get a contract like that. The Mets have already said no to a Pedro return and the Orioles have given mixed messages to their interest. If Pedro continues to do well this WBC, he will find a job but I can't see anyone giving him that high of a contract. I would love for a team like the Royals or Tigers take a chance on him since they need a big name and a pitcher.

[cjkalt]

Something tells me he'd take 3 mil + incentives to make up to 8 mil but thats just me

[missionhockey21]

I'd really like for the Reds to take a gamble on Pedro. They don't have room in their budget to, but it is a team where Pedro might make most sense. Arroyo is there and Pedro is a member of Arroyo's party boat, so that's a plus. And there are two young pitchers, Volquez and Cueto, whose idol is Pedro Martinez.

That said, his expectations for a salary is just unreasonable. I was thinking the exact same figure as cj, lower base salary but many incentives.

[Doppelgänger]

Where would you put Pedro?

[love_that_reefer]

I think Pedro would be best served in the AL right now not having to bat. And yes, his price will definitely have to come down.

[missionhockey21]

I'd put him in the 5th spot, let Owings be the long man in the pen and tell Bailey to refine his stuff in AAA until June/July. If Pedro busts, we would still have depth to replace him with. If he doesn't, then we would have some trade bait to use for whatever pieces we are missing. Of course this is all going on the assumption that Pedro has looked as good as I have seen him in very limited clips/highlights and its not just smoke and mirrors (weak competition. generous strikezone, etc.)

The main benefit though would be to mentor Cueto and Volquez though. Both idolize him and he could really help both reach that next level IMO.

[realmofotalk]

Rosenthal, however, believes the Dodgers might be the only club willing to risk $5.5 million on Pedro.

Not going to happen. They weren't willing to risk that amount on a rehabbing Brad Penny.

[love_that_reefer]

I agree mofo.

[realmofotalk]

And a team like the Royals don't deserve to have Pedro Martinez on their team, even at an affordable price tag. They'll just view him as a piece of meat to be sold for minor leaguers at the trade deadline if he does well.

[love_that_reefer]

So what? Small market teams should be able to do that but the thing is the Royls need a guy like Pedro. Rise interest, make some money and if things go well, a .500 record. The Royals are a lot better this year and could make some serious noise in the weak AL Central. Pedro could help and if not, sell him to a contender. Nothing wrong with that at all.

[realmofotalk]

On one hand you say he'll give the Royals a big boost in the rotation and help them contend in their division (good ****ing luck with that), and on the other hand you argued months ago that he would do nothing for the present for the Dodgers.

[love_that_reefer]

Two totally different situations. I also said Pedro will have to do lot more than he has in the WBC to get a job. The Royals will contend or at least be close to a .500 team with or without Pedro.

[Porter]

Seattle should call up Pedro right now.

[love_that_reefer]

According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, the Dodgers are considering adding free agent Pedro Martinez.
"He's someone we're curious about,'' GM Ned Colletti said Thursday. The Dodgers already boast Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda, Randy Wolf and Clayton Kershaw in the front end of their rotation, but are still seeking a fifth starter. Possible candidates Jason Schmidt, Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas have not impressed team officials this spring. "You never have too many guys until one guy jumps up,'' manager Joe Torre said. "Right now we haven't had that happen.''

Uh oh! I still think Pedro is best served in the AL only having to worry about pitching but apparently he wants to stay in the NL (according to Steve Philips).

[missionhockey21]

I wonder if Eric Milton and Jason Schmidt ever hit the bar after the game and laugh about getting the contracts they got. Followed of course by them both doing simultaneous head-first dives into pools of money.

If guys like that are the Dodgers options, just sign Pedro and give him a chance. Do it now before you regret it.