Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Now his return to the field will revolve around mentoring young pitchers in Boston's minor league camp, as well as being a resource for the big league team, available to step in wherever he might be needed.
Martinez was asked if there was any danger in having too many voices in camp, especially given the turnover in the pitching-coach position here.
"That's not my area," he said. "Anything I can help with -- the pitching coach and I might get together to help, but no, I don't want to get my nose between anybody.
"I don't want to be a pitching coach. I don't have the time. I wanted to be a father. I wanted to be a husband. I wanted to be a family member. I don't think being a pitching coach allows me more time than I had as a player.
"I'm going to be helping the organization, mentoring kids. No way will I get between the pitching coach. No managing, either. I'll help how I can."
"Honestly, I think it's time for me to be a family member," he said. "Now that I've had a few years to think about it and be a father and see my kids play, that's important."
ESPN - Sox recapture Pedro's magic touch
Two important takeaways here. First, while his title is Special Assistant to the General Manager, it doesn't sound like he's going to be doing anything in the realm of generally managing. Second, and most important of all, it doesn't really sound like he's going to be doing much of anything at all.
Read some of those quotes above.
I don't have the time. I'll help how I can. It's time to be a family member.
Johnny Pesky he will not be. But that's fine. Let him fit in where he's comfortable and can be best utilized. Even if it's in a part-time capacity.
And let's be clear: This isn't necessarily bad news. I don't want Pedro making personnel decisions. And I don't want him trying to act like he's the pitching coach, either. If the only thing he brings to the table is an ability to relate to, loosen up, and help young pitchers (and players in general) adjust to the Major League game, then that's a win for the organization.
Once this initial rush of PR-driven excitement is over, I doubt we'll hear much of anything about Pedro and what he's doing with the club. Unless Rubby makes some huge strides and talks about how Pedro helped him out along the way, or something of that nature.
So enjoy Pedro stepping back into the spotlight. I know I've missed him. But expect him to fade away just as quickly.
Rest of the links:
Herald - Jonny Gomes: I’m no one-trick pony | Persistent Daniel Nava more than leftovers | With Red Sox, Andrew Miller finds relief in being a reliever | Globe - Saturday's free Fenway event to feature PS3 tournament and Middlebrooks | Pitchers getting an early start at the Fort | WEEI - Pedro Martinez on Big Show: ‘Sad’ that potential Hall of Famers Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens ‘did something wrong’ |Terry Francona has only himself to blame | CSNNE - Gomes: Red Sox bringing in 'championship-caliber players' | Q&A with new Red Sox manager John Farrell
