Rakeville Times: Faith healing

Pedro begins a long off season of rehab at the Rakeville training complex in Pensecola, Florida, as the ace looks to recover from rotator cuff surgery. His future in Rakeville may be in question, but now no one questions if he shaves his armpits.


By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times
It has been an unspeakable topic in Rakeville as concern builds over one of the greatest athletes in the city’s history.

Pedro Martinez took his prized right arm, along with the fears of Rivertown, to Victoria General Hospital on Oct. 5 when he underwent rotator cuff surgery. Initial reports looked favorable, with some in the organization hinting that the Rockets ace could be ready before the all-star break next season. Then came an announcement by Pedro last week that if his shoulder doesn’t return to full strength, he will contemplate retirement.

If Martinez does retire, it would mark the end of an era. Rakeville’s rotation is a mirror of Martinez. For five years they have been the top staff in baseball with Pedro as the anchor. This season brought early injuries and struggles for the ace, resulting in his worst season in his career. That the Rockets also dropped from the top spot is not a coincidence.

“Not only has he been an excellent pitcher, but he has also been the heart and soul of this rotation,” Jack Reed. “I don’t think there is another pitcher in the EHCC with a history of success Pedro has had with this team. He is a rare athlete, with the talent and charisma to lead a franchise.”

Despite warm thoughts, Reed will have a hard decision this off-season with the 20-man roster deadline just over the horizon. Can Rakeville, a team that struggled all last season for consistency from their staff, use a precious roster spot on a pitcher who may not start until after the all-star break? Could they waste in on a player who may not start at all?

“I couldn’t imagine Pedro in another uniform,” said EHSPN columnist Pop Sickels. “With the chance of league expansion, the thoughts that Rakeville could drop him and pick him up again in the draft are non-existent. They almost have to carry him through the cuts. The city wouldn’t allow him to leave.”

Reed would not speculate on the future roster, but did hint that it would be a decision made by “the manager and I.” The lack of mention of current manager Troy O’Leary’s name in the discussion highlights the volatile situation in the Rockets front office, with Pedro’s contract low on the totem pole of concerns.

Many think the answers will come during next week’s press conference where Reed may announce plans for the upcoming season.