Sunday, July 12, 2009

Pedro Martinez's throwing session observed by Phillies brass

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Philadelphia Phillies executives arrived in the Dominican Republic on Friday to watch Pedro Martinez pitch a simulated game for team scouts and personnel.

Pedro Martinezs throwing session observed by Phillies brass

Martinez

Martinez's session was delayed by rain but resumed shortly thereafter.

Martinez pitched three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three.

On Thursday, Martinez said negotiations between the Phillies and his agent were under way. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. denied reports of a deal being done, but confirmed the team's interest in the three-time AL Cy Young Award winner.

It had been reported Friday afternoon that Amaro was in the Dominican; he was not and did not observe the tryout.

"The Phillies saw me this past Tuesday in a simulated game and I felt very good with my fastball and all my pitches," Martinez said.

The Phillies asked Martinez to throw for them a second time to see how his arm responds, a source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. Martinez initially balked at the idea, the source said, believing the Phillies had enough information to make a decision from observing his simulated game Tuesday.

Meanwhile, if the Phillies finalize a deal with Martinez, it will not keep them from continuing conversations with the Blue Jays about Roy Halladay, National League sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

The 37-year-old Martinez is reported to have worked three innings in a simulated game against a Phillies summer league team, with his fastball clocked at up to 93 mph.

"I feel the best I have for some time," the eight-time All-Star said Thursday.

Martinez went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA for the New York Mets last year. The free agent pitched in the World Baseball Classic before this season started.


Pedro Martinez could return with Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays
Harry Kalas died from heart disease
Martinez doubts Gomez return