Pedro Martinez just wrapped up a six-inning intrasquad game and looks more than ready for the Marlins next Tuesday. Martinez used a dizzying repertoire during the 80-pitch performance, with a fastball that maxed out at 86 and a changeup that dipped as low as 67.
Unlike his previous outing, in windy, dry conditions, Martinez was back to throwing breaking pitches that looked like wiffle balls. As a result, there was plenty of head-shaking and frustrated smiles from a lineup that included Anderson Hernandez, Ruben Gotay and Angel Pagan.
"Well, I’m getting better," Martinez said. "I’m improving day-by-day and my pitches are going to do the same thing. If I’m healthy, and I’m able to make adjustments from one outing to the other, things are going to happen. I hope I can get the same reaction against the real team in the real game the next time out."
Martinez is looking forward to the favorable conditions in Miami -- he is 5-2 with a 1.89 ERA in 10 career starts at Joe Robbie-Pro Player-Dolphin Stadium. Martinez also is scheduled to start the April 8 home opener at Shea, which is always a must-see event.
"I’m pretty sure they’re interested in seeing Johan, too," Martinez said. "Before Johan gets to the mound, they’re going to have to settle for the old goat, and a very familiar face. Even though I’m pretty sure they’re going to enjoy it as much as I will."
In addition to his stabilizing presence on the mound, Martinez said he will assume more of a leadership role now that he's going to be with the Mets from Opening Day this year.
"If I feel something that I need to say, I’m going to be more vocal about it," Martinez said. "And if there’s something I can suggest and not feel like I’m getting in anybody’s way, I think I’m going to be able to say it because right now I feel like I’m old enough and I've earned enough respect from my teammates and from everybody else. If I say something they might stop to listen, if I have to call in a meeting where I see something wrong I’ll just do that. If I’m here and I'm healthy for the whole year."