Could Pedro Become a Pirate?

As a slightly delusional Pirate fan, whenever a higher profile player gets mentioned in connection with the Pirates, I immediately envision him signing or being traded to the team and the amazing year he will have leading the Bucs to an unexpected playoff berth. Earlier this week, when Andruw Jones was released by the Dodgers, I had just such a fantasy. Looking to help regain his status among the game's elite, Jones would sign a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. As the new right fielder (even in my fantasy, McLouth's job is secure), Jones would have an impressive bounce back year, something along the lines of a .270 average, with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. He would make the entire lineup better and the Pirates would surprisingly win the division. Do bear in mind though that this entire fantasy transpires in my head for all of 5 minutes. I'm not insane. I don't dwell on these possibilities for days on end (any more). I realize that Jones might not want anything to do with Pittsburgh and the feeling could in fact be mutual. If the Pirates were a little closer to being a contender already, maybe. But they're not, so this won't happen. Reports indicate that Atlanta is interested in bringing Jones back. This makes sense for both parties; Jones had great success for many years there and the Braves are just as delusional as I am, believing that they are already contenders for their division and Jones could be that final piece they need. Best of luck to them both.

Despite my imaginary player transactions, the Pirates do actually pursue free agents on occasion. Earlier this off season, they were among the final contenders for the services of Rocco Baldelli. But that was not to be. However, yesterday the Post-Gazette reported that the Pirates are indeed interested in Pedro Martinez. They say he wants to stay with the Mets and he wants 7 million dollars. If the Mets pass and Pedro's dollar request drops, Pittsburgh may have a shot. Now I realize that the 2009 version of Pedro Martinez is not the 1999 version, or even the 2005 version. If he comes to Pittsburgh, he might only end up making 15 starts and maybe his ERA would be over 5. Statistically at least, he could hurt the Pirates. He would not single-handedly catapult them into the playoffs. But the mere possibility that someone who was recently one of the game's elite pitchers, and a possible Hall-of-Famer, might actually play for our Pittsburgh Pirates is a very intriguing and exciting thought. The Post-Gazette mentions that Florida and Cleveland are also in the running. Though it would be great to see Pedro in Pittsburgh, he will probably end up elsewhere.