PEDRO INTENTS TO PITCH FOR THE LICEY TIGERS IN THE DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE

Alexander Gómez - LICEY.COM

AUGUST 21 - Mets pitcher Pedro Martínez brought to light his intention to pitch this winter for the Licey Tigers in the Dominican Winter League as preparation to participate in the World Baseball Classic next March.

“My participation in the Dominican winter league and the World Baseball Classic will depend on how I end the Major League season and how healthy I finish the year” said Pedro Martinez during an interview with a Dominican Republic morning radio station.

“I would like to pitch the necessary innings for the Licey fans and at the same time, get ready for the World Baseball Classic.  It would be the ultimate performance for my country,” Martinez added.

In an article recently published in the Dominican newspaper El Caribe, Martinez mentioned that he’s focused on the immediate future of his career, staying healthy and achieving the maximum amount of wins for the Mets.

In the article, Martinez states pitching for Felipe Alou in the World Baseball Classic is a main objective of mine; I would do so to honor all of his support throughout my career. Felipe Alou has been named the manager of the Dominican Republic’s 2009 World Baseball Classic team

“To play for Felipe (Alou) is an honor,” said Martinez.  “He’s someone I highly admire, respect, owe a lot of my career to and will influence its future.”

Overall, in discussing his future, Martinez stated, “I have not wanted to look too far into the future until God helps me stabilize the present and shows me truly what I can offer MLB and the Mets organization, who I respect a lot.”

Martínez, 36, in his fourth season with the Mets is 4-3 with a 4.96 ERA, in 13 appearances.  He has pitched 69 innings has 49 strikeouts, given up 75 hits, 40 runs, 38 earned, and 28 walks.