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Pedro Martinez Closer to Phillies Deal

Jul 14, 2009 – 6:13 PM
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Jeff Fletcher

Jeff Fletcher %BloggerTitle%

ST. LOUIS -- The Phillies may have moved a step closer to getting some pitching help. As reports surfaced that Pedro Martinez had passed his physical and was to be introduced as the newest member of the organization on Wednesday, one of the team's leaders said he would eagerly welcome Martinez.

"I've heard a lot of good things about Pedro," Phillies second baseman Chase Utley told FanHouse before Tuesday's All-Star Game. "He obviously brings a lot of experience and a lot of success. He can help us on and off the field."

Utley said he wasn't sure what to expect immediately out of Martinez, who has not pitched competitively since the World Baseball Classic. Presumably Martinez would pitch in the minors before joining the Phillies.

"From all the quotes I've seen he's throwing the ball well," Utley said, "so we'll see."
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