Martinez acknowledges crowd last night at Fenway. He’ll get more cheers tonight. (AP)
Pedro Martinez pitched his heart out for the Red Sox for seven years. He wanted to stay, but management had other ideas, and most likely its version of Martinez’s departure. Martinez says tonight will be no different than any other game. Of course, that’s what you’d expect him to say, and of course, I don’t believe him. It just can’t be the same. It’s like seeing your ex. There will be emotions.
Pedro is a prideful, high-strung guy. He’s wound a little differently. I spoke with Rick Peterson and Willie Randolph last night and both said they weren’t concerned about Martinez letting the emotions get the best of him. Well, Roger Clemens did when he came back here. Overthrowing and trying to make something happen on every pitch is something the Mets must monitor.