Pearls from Pedro

NEW YORK -- Pedro Martinez was a big hit with the media last week on the day before his Game Two start, when he spent 20 minutes on a variety of topics. Among them was really his first in-depth discussion of the infamous 2003 ALCS brawl with Yankees coach Don Zimmer. There were some light moments for sure, but there was some pretty heavy stuff as well during which Martinez showed some great introspection.

Nothing heavy about Martinez on the podium today at Yankee Stadium on the day prior to Game Six. Smiling, chatty, boisterous. He had a crowded room full of international media cracking up and in the palm of his hand -- speaking in both English and Spanish. Some samples:

On whether Boston fans are rooting for him: "It wouldn't surprise me at all. I know they don't like the Yankees to win -- even in the Nintendo games. Knowing that, I am proud of Boston. I consider myself a Bostonian as well."

On getting the chance to pitch Game Six just two months after coming back to the game: "If you consider the fact that two months back I was sitting at home not doing anything, none of you were thinking of me whatsoever. None of you were asking questions and today I am here, probably pitching one of the biggest games ever in the World Series with two great teams with a whole bunch of legendary players. I don't have enough words to describe how excited I am to be here. This is a great gift, a great blessing.

On the matchup with Andy Pettitte: "Just to see two old goats out there doing the best they can and having fun with it."

On whether he'll be remembered long after his career is over: "I'm pretty sure my name will be mentioned. I don't know in which way. Maybe after I die. Because normally when you die, people tend to actually give you props about the good things but that's after you die. I'm hoping to get it before I die. You die and then you hear everybody say, 'Oh, there goes one of the best players ever.' You're going to give me props, just give them to me right now."

When the questions and answers in Spanish were over, Martinez got up and shook hands with manager Charlie Manuel, who was entering the room for his own session.

Turning back to the assembled media with that devilish grin, Martinez told his skipper loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, "I knocked 'em dead. They all stayed."

The place howled. And he was right. About as close as I've ever seen to a group of reporters applauding a World Series press conference.

---Mike Harrington

(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)

AP Photo: Martinez meets the media Tuesday.

Comments

[Mr. Kevin H. Hodge]

Sir, As Night-Time Un-Folds On Anticipation of Game 6..Mr. Pedro Martinez Has Always Been Color-Full for the Game..Phillies Need Sparkling P, And May-Be Famous Chant of Gotham Crowd..Who is Your Daddy..Will Propel Phillies In Classic Game 7..and One Pitcher Steinbrenner Family Can Pursue..For Sir Pedro, All These Years, Will Never Find a More Potent Line-Up..Then Of Yankees On Wedesday Evening..Play Ball..Mr. Kevin H. Hodge