Phillies sign Pedro Martinez

The Associated Press is reporting the Philadelphia Phillies have signed 37-year old pitcher Pedro Martinez to a one-year, $1 million contract.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Pedro thinks about his one-year deal.  Is it good till July 14th, 2010 or is it good till the end of the year.  What does that one year really mean?

In the past couple weeks the Phillies scout team watched Pedro pitch in simulated games in which Phillies scout Robinson Garcia was quoted saying, “I am surprised, I didn’t think he would be in such good shape.  His fastball was good, between 88 and 91 miles, and all his breaking pitches were moving very well.”

Then it was on to the physical which he passed yesterday.

This is pretty much a ‘why-not signing.’  I mean, why not?  If Pedro pitches well, the Phillies have a nice fourth starter.  If he turns out to be a bust, it’s only a $1 million.  Furthermore, it won’t take away from the Phillies pursuing American League All-Star starter Roy Halladay.