Martinez to start Game 2 for Phillies
Pedro Martinez's first post-season start in five years will be in a familiar spot. He is scheduled to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium on Friday. The 37-year-old right-hander made his major-league debut with the Dodgers in 1992 and played for Los Angeles in 1993 before he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Delino DeShields.
"It's going to be special, especially bringing back memories about my start here," Martinez said before Game 1 on Thursday night. "I was born in this place, and I hope this is not the last one that I pitch here, but if it is, it would be a great joy to actually do it in the same place I started."
Martinez threw a simulated game Tuesday, facing backups Eric Bruntlett and Greg Dobbs. He had been scheduled to start Game 3 of the division series against Colorado, but Manager Charlie Manuel went with J.A. Happ instead when weather delayed the game a day.
Martinez, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 30, will be facing his old friend and fellow Dominican Manny Ramirez of the Dodgers.
"Nobody can say I know how to pitch Manny. Manny is such a great hitter, and he's someone that makes adjustments as he sees the game develop," Martinez said.
"Once the game is over, I hope he comes over and gives me the same real hug he always gives me and the same jokes."
Count on it.
"He's like my brother," said Ramirez, who played with Martinez when they were with the Red Sox.
Revere named Twins' minor-leaguer of year
The Minnesota Twins named former Lexington Catholic standout Ben Revere their Minor League Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Revere, a 21-year-old outfielder, is the first Twins prospect to win the honor in back-to-back years since LaTroy Hawkins did in 1993 and '94. Revere batted .311 with 13 doubles and 75 runs scored in 121 games for Class A Fort Myers.
Around the majors
Cardinals: Slugger Albert Pujols said St. Louis is interested in extending his contract during the winter. Pujols told a Dominican radio station on Wednesday that he is in no rush to make a decision. He still has a year left on his contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011.
Pujols signed a seven-year contract in 2003 worth $100 million, but says money is not a priority for his next contract. He says he prefers to play for a competitive team that can advance to the post-season.
Red Sox: Boston is among several major-league teams lining up to woo Japanese high school pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. The 18-year-old left-hander, who throws a fastball that has been clocked as high as 96 mph, is the latest Japanese amateur pitcher to draw interest from major-league teams.
Kikuchi will hold talks with the Red Sox, Dodgers, Rangers and Giants on Monday, the Nikkan Sports newspaper reported Thursday. The Yankees, Mets and Mariners are scheduled to meet with him the following day.
Mets: Shortstop Jose Reyes is expected to be ready for spring training following surgery on his injured right leg. Reyes, who didn't play after May 20, had surgery Thursday in Dallas at North Central Surgical Center. The procedure cleaned scar tissue from the torn hamstring tendon behind the knee.
Indians: Former Nationals manager Manny Acta was interviewed by Cleveland for its managerial opening. Acta was fired by the Nationals in July.
Astros: Ned Yost, former Brewers manager, met with the team on Thursday, the third candidate to interview to become Houston's skipper next season.
