Pedro Finally Signs With the Phillies

(Guest posted by 49er16 of Keith's Sports Journal)

Did you hear? Pedro Martinez has signed a one year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. O.k. maybe that isn't news because we all knew if Pedro passed his physical the Phillies would sign him.

One problem with the signing though. Pedro will be immediately placed on the DL with a mild shoulder strain. It hasn't been decided when or where Pedro will start his rehab assignment.

Whenever Pedro makes his first start for the Phillies, I like this move for Philadelphia. They are not taking a huge risk by signing Martinez to a one-year deal. Also they didn't have to trade away any top prospects for Martinez, like they would have for Roy Halladay.

From rumors that I have heard, the reason why Halladay hasn't been traded yet is because the Blue Jays are looking to dump Vernon Wells and his contract with Halladay. Wells has struggled since signing a seven-year deal worth $126 million in 2008. So that might be the main reason why the Phillies haven't traded for Halladay yet.

Halladay or not, I like the Martinez signing. I think he can help this team down the stretch with his experience. Good move, Philadelphia.

Martinez joins Phillies, put on DL (ESPN)