Pedro to Rays remains unlikely

Posted Jun 17, 2009 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Jun 17, 2009 at 07:02 PM

DENVER—Regarding the latest report out of the Dominican Republic on Pedro Martinez’ apparent desire to sign “soon” with the Rays or Cubs, it doesn’t sound like much has changed on the Tampa Bay front.

Yes, one of the Rays’ guys in the Dominican has watched Martinez throw and there have been some talks, but it doesn’t sound as if they have advanced to actual negotiations. I don’t get the impression anything has advanced since last week, when the likelihood of the Rays signing him was characterized as “unlikely.”

Per his usual policy on personnel matters, Andrew Friedman wouldn’t address the topic one way or the other when asked today.

My read: the Rays won’t absolutely rule anything out, but unless a starter gets hurt in the near future I seriously doubt anything comes of this. It only makes sense for Pedro’s camp to try and drum up interest, though. Can’t really blame them.