"Pedro Martinez did not want to discuss baseball on Friday, but he was eager to share that he taught Manny Ramirez's son how to fish. Back in the Dominican Republic, where his boat is docked, Martinez loves to reel in marlin and wahoo. He has sharpened his techniques over many an off-season, including the longest one of his career.

That off-season stretched into July as he rejected contract offers because something was not good enough - either the money offered, which cut straight to Martinez's pride, or the interested team. He wanted only to pitch for a National League contender so that he could add a second World Series ring to the one he earned with Boston in 2004.

The last three and a half months have unfolded precisely as he intended, and now Martinez is days from playing a crucial role in fulfilling his wish. The Phillies have yet to announce their World Series rotation, but Manager Charlie Manuel confirmed before Friday's workout at Citizens Bank Park that Martinez would get a start."