Dodgers Interested in Pedro Martinez

Pedro Martinez, a 37 year-old in the twilight of his career, is still searching for big league work this season. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and eight time All-Star has been spending his time pitching for the Dominican Republic. Thanks to a rousing upset at the hands of the Netherlands, though, the Dominican is done playing.

The Mets, for obvious reasons, were continually tied to Martinez over the course of the past few weeks, but they don't want him. The Dodgers, on the other hand, seem a bit intrigued -- specifically general manager Ned Colletti.

"He's somebody we're curious about," Colletti told the Times. "We know how great he has been, and we know how popular he is in Los Angeles."

As long as the Dodgers don't mind shelling out the dough for him -- I mean, they are wasting enough on Juan Pierre, right? -- this would be a worthwhile venture. While the Netherlands offense is pretty bad, he still tossed six scoreless innings over the course of two outings against the Dutch. He only allowed one hit and struck out six batters. The Dodgers current fifth starter could be Jason Schmidt, Claudio Vargas, Shawn Estes, James McDonald, or Jeff Weaver. Considering Schmidt is probably never going to be healthy again, Pedro would seem to be the best option for 2009. He's at least worth a shot.

For a stretch from 1997-2003, you could argue there's never been a more dominant pitcher in baseball history. Seriously, compare his ERA to the league average in that stretch. Then look at strikeouts/walks/innings pitched, and then check out his won-loss record. Wow.

Anyway, it would be nice for Pedro to go full circle, I'm sure, and finish his career where it started -- not that it makes up for the atrocious 1993 trade the Dodgers made in giving him up for Delino DeShields.