Read Sports Geek and Loyal Homer’s arguments on whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies made a wise decision in signing Pedro Martinez.
What do the Phillies really have to lose by signing Pedro Martinez?
That was the one question that I kept asking myself as I read the arguments presented by Sports Geek and Loyal Homer.
As Sports Geek pointed out, Martinez has been plagued with injuries for the past several years, and was even placed on the DL the day he signed his newest deal with Philadelphia. Sports Geek also raises some valid questions about whether or not Martinez has the opportunity to be successful, even if healthy. It’s clear that 2008 was a year that Martinez would love to forget, as statistically it was the worst of his career, and additionally, Martinez has never had success pitching at Citizens Bank Ballpark, an undeniable “hitter’s” park.
All of those issues raised by Sports Geek call into question the likelihood of whether or not Martinez will be successful in Philadelphia, but they don’t really answer the question – What do the Phillies really have to lose?
I disagree with Sports Geek’s implications that Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has somehow been duped into buying a lemon here, or that he failed to realize the risks involved. I think that Amaro Jr. knows the potential risks, and fully understands the possible (some may say probable) issues that Martinez may have in attempting this comeback. As Loyal Homer points out, even Martinez himself is aware that he is not the pitcher of old, having been quoted as saying, “I would just like to be the backup.” He goes on to say, “…a healthy Pedro behind everyone else in case something happens. That would be a great feeling to have on a team”.
I agree with Loyal Homer that the cost the Phillies incurred for Martinez is very low. They are not trading any talent away, they are not pinning their postseason hopes on his seemingly fragile shoulders, and the financial cost to the organization is relatively small. As Loyal Homer wrote, the Phillies have very little to lose. If Martinez does not work out, then he will be not be added to the Phillies’ postseason roster and the team will be out approximately $1M, but they are essentially no worse for the wear.
If, however, Martinez does pan out the Phillies have hit the jackpot. He has shown that he does still have some gas left in the tank, and only now needs to prove whether or not he can consistently produce. If he demonstrates that he can still produce, then Amaro Jr. has found a very successful, experienced pitcher to act as an insurance policy and help the Phillies make a run for consecutive World Series titles.
I guess it’s the Las Vegas fanatic in me that screams, ‘You’ve gotta spend money to win money.’ But, after reading the arguments presented by both sides, I am awarding this debate to Loyal Homer, who convinced me that the potential reward is definitely worth the risk.
Baseballbriefs.com tracking back The Pedro Martinez in Philadelphia Debate – The Verdict…
Baseballbriefs.com tracking back The Pedro Martinez in Philadelphia Debate – The Verdict…