Steinbrenner and Martínez Meet: Let the Intrigue Begin

[Emboldened Chimp]

Let the dismantling of the Red Sox begin!

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/17/sports/baseball/17yanks.html

By JACK CURRY

Pedro Martínez, who has reveled in his role as a villain to the Yankees while pitching and chirping for the Boston Red Sox, met with George Steinbrenner yesterday in Tampa, Fla., in a potential bid to dramatically change his status in the Bronx and in Boston.

Some Yankee club executives adamantly oppose signing Martínez, who is a free agent. But if Steinbrenner, the principal owner, wants to make the splashy move, it does not really matter what anyone else thinks.

Martínez is three weeks removed from helping the Red Sox win their first World Series title since 1918 while Steinbrenner is busy working on restocking the Yankees so they can fight for their 27th championship. The notion that Steinbrenner, the most powerful Yankee, and Martínez, one of the most beloved Red Sox, could land on the same side would add a compelling twist to the fiercest rivalry in baseball.

[OneBlueSky]

1. Steinbrenner would be a fool to sign Martinez . . .

he's past his prime, would cost a fortune, and would likely be a disruptive influence in the clubhouse . . . this Yankee fan votes No! . . .

[teach1st]

2. Yeah, but...

..when has Steinbrenner let those reasons stop him in the past?

[bluedeminredstate]

3. Agree.

You guys can have him. We need Varitek and the Sox better keep him.

[Emboldened Chimp]

4. Yeah, I'm none-too-thrilled about it, either...

I hate Pedro, probably more than I did Clemens when he came aboard. I grew to like Roger, but I don't think that'll be the case with Jerry Curl. I'm still not high on A-Rod, either, but what can you do?

[FlyByNight]

5. Sign away, George

I'll be forever grateful for what Pedro has done for the Sox.

However, Pedro's shown wear and tear the past few years and he's not the pitcher he was 3-4 years ago. (With due fairness, he was masterful in his start against the Cards.)

I won't mind of Pedro re-signs but not at too high a price.

[bigwillq]

6. Why do the Yanks want a pitcher who can't last more than 6 innings

sometimes not even 5.

I don't want Pedro at all.

It was different with Clemens but Pedro is an enemy.

[Lugnut]

7. Uh oh!

My husband will have a coronary when I pass this gem on to him.

[The Spirit of JFK]

8. George only did it to make the DBacks move faster

on Randy Johnson.

And Pedro did it to get the Sox to make a better offer.