Boston Loves You Too Pedro

Pedro Martinez looks extend his legacy and the Series one more game. (AP Photo)

Thank God for Pedro Martinez, and thank God we get to see him pitch again on a stage of bright lights and high expectations, for realistically - the last time ever. Game 2 was the most exciting game of this Series to watch thus far - and a very large part of that was because of Pedro Martinez. Unfortunately the Yankees ended up winning the game, but the fervor and intensity surrounding it seemed to be notched up a few levels, which when thinking about it, is quite the feat when you're talking about a World Series game - where hyperbole always seems to live at its greatest of heights. Although tonight's game will be played in a month called November, Pedro Martinez knows that he's pitching in the October of his baseball career, as his legacy now sits at the forefront on his thoughts and lips.

"I'm pretty sure my name will be mentioned. I don't know in which way. But maybe after I retire, because normally when you die, people tend to actually give you props about the good things. But that's after you die. So I'm hoping to get it before I die. I don't want to die and hear everybody say, 'Oh, there goes one of the best players ever.' If you're going to give me props, just give them to me right now."

Pedro Martinez, you're one of the best players to ever play the game of baseball. I've written this incessantly since 2004, and I'm not about to stop now. When Pedro's done, and he enters the November of his retirement years, we won't just miss the artful masterpieces he often composed on the mound, we'll also miss the naked candor he's given us before, after, and in-between the games he's pitched. There's nothing quite like a Pedro Martinez press conference or quote. Manny Ramirez, when actually speaking to the media, was always good for a quote of insane quality, however, you never felt like there was much intelligence behind his statements. Not Pedro. Pedro speaks like he pitches, with utter confidence, disdain, intelligence, and charm. Like a boxing promoter he's not afraid to embellish, and even when he sometimes says bold (some may say ridiculous) remarks, it's often done with a smile and a wink, as he trusts on your intelligence to read between the lines.

"I'm pretty sure that every Boston fan out there can feel proud that I'm going to try and beat the Yankees and I'm going to give just the same effort I always did for them. They're special fans and they will always have my respect."

Right back at you Petey, do us proud tonight, and like I said, win - lose - or draw, it's been fun having you on our side.

Comments

[Kris]

I hate to admit it, but this series is compelling for this simple fact alone - Pedro facing the Yankees. Even moreso than if the Phils and Sox were playing. I cannot wait for tonight...

[Faith Cardarelli]

Derek - that was so eloquent

[Derek Hixon]

Tonight's a night I watch with one eye closed I think, or at least in-between Celtic commercials ;-)

PS - Thanks Faith!

[Erik]

Wow... I'm surprised he said that quote about Boston fans. It's both cool and not cool. Cool that he was honest and reconnected with you guys. Not cool, because the word Boston shouldnt even be uttered in a series where he plays for the Phillies... BUT you gotta give the guy props. I hated him when he played for you guys but that was a long time ago.

And he def is one of the best pitchers ever. I'd say pitchers over "players." I mean all you have to do is look at the guys numbers... while he failed more often than not against us in some bizarre fashions... the guy def is deserving of respect from a baseball standpoint.

[Kris]

Jeez it's hard to get a straight compliment outta you! :) It is a little odd, but it's fairly succinct. There are a ton of Sox fans rooting for him, and by extension the Phillies, not simply because of the rivalry but because of the fact that no one thought he'd ever pitch again. Or, if he did, he'd be a shell of his former self. He's still a crafty pitcher, and it makes for a compelling story seeing him matched-up against this Yankee lineup. Hell, I'M watching the Yankees in the World Series, even though it may mean I have to see them win it (I'm giving myself a four-run buffer - if the Yankees go up more than four runs, I'm changing the channel...:D)

[M. Timlin]

I never liked the fact that Pedro always refused to shower before and after his starts. While I mostly didn't have to deal with it while sitting in the bullpen, it became quite the issue when I was taken out of the game (after recording numerous outs, of course). I sometimes would have to sit near him in the dugout... Hopefully hes changed his level of personal hygiene after leaving our beloved Sox. Vote for Pedro!

All the best,
Mike

[Derek Hixon]

Mike you don't know how much you're missed my friend. The bullpen band isn't the same without you - and there's also been a drastic decline in camouflage on the mound. Beckett tries, however he really doesn't go after it full force like you my friend.

[John]

Pedro is now 12-15 vs. the Yankees.