khandor’s sports blog

Fading Blue Jays should take a gamble on ‘bargain’ Pedro
Pedro, who first established his career as an Expos starter back in the mid-’90s, is reportedly looking for $5 million for the rest of ‘09. Coincidentally, that’s what the Jays have available. If Martinez were to make his first start the day after the all-star break, July 17, it would be against the Red Sox. What an incentive to get ready.

If manager Cito Gaston then scheduled him every fifth game (not fifth day), Pedro would be asked to make 15 starts in the second half. If Halladay pitches in the All-Star Game, which is likely, and if he pitches on the Saturday vs. the Red Sox and works every five days (not five games), Doc could make 16 starts. Given good health, the two would make 31 of the Jays’ final 72 starts.

The remainder of the rotation would include Tallet, left-hander Ricky Romero and Canadian righty Scott Richmond, with Casey Janssen back in a setup role.

Get going. Would Pedro respond to an offer of $2 million guaranteed, with $1 million for 1-5 starts, another $1 million for 6-10 starts and a final $1 million for 11-15 starts? That’s his $5 million that he wants – but he has to earn it.

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Richard Griffin’s take here is right on the money.

Once the Blue Jays conclude inter-league play [later this month], recall Travis Snider [LF, LH] from the minors, and return a healthy Roy Halladay [RH] to their Starting Pitching rotation [which should happen fairly soon, coming back from his slight groin strain], adding an established No. 2 Man, the calibre of Pedro Martinez, to the tune of $5.0 M for what’s left of just this season, is precisely what Toronto needs to do in order to remain in the AL Wild Card race for the balance of the schedule.

THIS would be a far cry from making a gigantic financial investment over the course of a number of years in the form of a brittle-armed mediocre pitcher like AJ Burnett … while still giving their loyal fans a steadfast sign that the New Order Jays, operating once again under the expert direction of Paul Beeston [former CEO during the glory years] are intent on playing with the Big Boyz in the AL East Division.

This year’s team is plenty good enough to challenge into September, back-stopped by the 1-2 punch of Halladay & Martinez.