Pedro on the Mets!

I wish Pedro retired on the Red Sox. In his prime, his games were the best pitched games I've ever seen. It was a perfect blend of power, location, cunning, and some intimidation. I also always enjoyed hearing and reading his interviews; they were always intelligent and witty, even when he was being a Diva. The Sox winning the World Series makes Pedro leaving much easier. He's not like Boggs or Clemens who played so well but left before winning.

As for the Mets, they gave him too much money and too many years; his shoulder problems could come back in April and his career could be over. Of the next 4 years, there's a very good chance an injury could keep him out for at least half a season. However, the Mets are a desperate team, and I guess they think it's a risk worth taking. If he stays healthy he'll be a Cy Young caliber pitcher. While he'll enjoy pitching against weaker National League lineups, he'll miss the Red Sox great lineup and great bullpen. Another plus for the Mets is the publicity. Lately no one has cared about the Mets, now the New York media must be salivating -- I can't wait to read the papers tomorrow.

Back to the Sox, with Pedro leaving they have some money to play with. The Godfather was right a couple of weeks ago when he said they need some young pitchers. So, what do the Sox do? Sign 42-year-old David Wells to join 38-year-olds Tim Wakefield and Curt Shilling. Epstein is supposedly rebuilding the farm system -- the Sox need some pitching prospects now. All the other free agent pitchers are question marks. There's also the possibility of a trade (maybe for Tim Hudson), but I don't want the Red Sox to ruin their farm system just for a quick fix.

The year Roger Clemens left, the Red Sox gave too much money to Steve Avery. Luckily, a year later they were able to land Pedro. My point is don't make a trade or a signing just to make fans happy. Even if it means waiting a season, you're better off being patient to make the right move, not the first available move.

Good luck batting against the Yankees in interleague play Pedro.