Phillies handing ball to Martinez in Game 2
Pedro Martinez has a long history of memorable starts against the New York Yankees. He's pitched against them during the regular season and playoffs, poked fun at their history and called them his daddy.
Thursday night, well, that's going to be a whole other level.
Martinez is slated to start for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2, adding even more spice to this star-studded World Series.
"I think this is going to be a real big moment for him," manager Charlie Manuel said Tuesday.
Martinez, who turned 38 on Sunday, last pitched in the Bronx on June 24, 2005, when he threw eight sharp innings for the Mets in a 6-4 victory at the old Yankee Stadium across the street.
The World Series start marks the latest surprise for the right-hander, who spent the first half of the year home in the Dominican Republic. He signed a one-year deal with the Phillies during the all-star break for a prorated share of US$2 million plus incentives, and went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts down the stretch.
"For me, the reality is the reality," he said. "It's something I didn't imagine although I had the hope in picking the team that had a chance to win. Up to now, thanks to God, I'm looking very intelligent before baseball."
'I want to split my lefties up'
Cliff Lee, Martinez and Cole Hamels are scheduled to get the ball in the first three games for the defending champs. Hamels, last year's World Series MVP, also was a candidate to start the second game.
"I wanted to split my lefties up," Manuel said, "and also I felt like Pedro was the ideal guy to go in between them because of what type of pitcher he is, and his command, how he can change speeds, and the fact that he's been here before."
CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte will start the first three games for New York. Manager Joe Girardi would not reveal his pitching plans beyond that.
Sabathia could start Game 4 on three days' rest or the Yankees could go with Chad Gaudin, who pitched to Eric Hinske and Jerry Hairston Jr. in a simulated game Tuesday.
Martinez is 12-13 with a 3.41 ERA in 38 career games against the Yankees, counting the post-season. He hasn't faced New York in the playoffs since he pitched a shaky inning in Boston's 10-3 victory in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS.
"Pedro is one of the best pitchers to ever play this game," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "Whether he's throwing 97, 98 or not, he knows how to pitch. It's always a challenge when we face him."
'Who's your daddy?'
Martinez became an integral part of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry during his seven seasons with Boston. In the 2003 AL championship series, he tossed aside Don Zimmer when the then-72-year-old bench coach charged the mound during a bench-clearing incident.
In 2004, a frustrated Martinez said this after another loss to New York: "I just tip my hat and call the Yankees my daddy." Since then, he has been serenaded with chants of "Who's your daddy?" when he returns to the Bronx.
The Phillies made one change to their roster ahead of the Series, adding reliever Brett Myers and dropping infielder Miguel Cairo. Myers made one appearance against Colorado in the division series, walking two batters in two-thirds of an inning. Cairo was 0-for-5 in the post-season.
Girardi held off on revealing New York's roster on Tuesday. He might replace pinch runner Freddy Guzman with Hinske, who was active in the first round and would give him an extra bat on the bench. Reliever Brian Bruney also was in consideration.