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Pedro Martínez, a native of the Dominican Republic, is one of baseball's best and most successful pitchers. In his Major League career, Martínez has a winning percentage of .691 (132-59), has lead the league in strikeouts 2 out of the last 3 years and his 2.66 career ERA is #1 among active pitchers. This interview was conducted by Ozzie Gonzalez, Latinosportslegends.com. OG: Last year you had problems with your pitching arm, how is your arm now? Martínez: My arm is good. I feel fine. I'm still going through rehab and continuing to strengthening my arm and I feel fine. I will be ready by opening day. OG: What type of exercises did you do to strengthen your arm and get it back in shape? Martínez: I was doing a lot of swimming and lifting weights, a lot of aerobics, all kinds of things. A lot of hard work during the off-season. I focused a lot on building arm strength. OG: Because of the problems with your arm last year, are you going to pitch any differently this year or is it going to be the usual flame-throwing Pedro? Martínez: No, I'm going to pitch the only way I know how until I feel that I need to make an adjustment. Otherwise I won't do it. I might throw at my normal speed (which is about 95mph) but it depends on how much I have left. I am always thinking ahead and making adjustments when I'm pitching. OG: How is it having Red Sox legend, Luis Tiant around this spring? Martínez: It brings back good memories having Tiant around. He's a very good coach and a good friend. Also, a very good coach which you can enjoy spending time with him. It's always nice to have someone like Tiant around. OG: Tiant was a great pitcher, in his days? Martínez: Definitely, he was great! OG: The new owner (John Henry) is shaking things up over there, is it a distraction? Martínez: No! It's all about business for me. It's just business. OG: Now that Kerrigan is out as manager, do you think Felipe Alou is interested in the position? Martínez: I have no idea, I haven't spoken to him lately. OG: What is the one thing you don't like about being a celebrity pitcher? Martínez: The fame! Just being recognized everywhere I go. I don't really like that. OG: Growing up, which players did you watch growing up? Martínez: I liked to see Pedro Guerrero play, Juan Marichal, Luis Tiant, Juaquin Andujar. I was a big fan of Nolan Ryan and Bret Saberhagan. I still have an admiration for them. OG: Until what age does Pedro Martínez wants to be on the mound? Martínez: Until my abilities dictate that I physically can't pitch any more. Hopefully not too long, but not to short either. OG: Do you think, the Red Sox could finally dethrone the Yankees and take over first place in the A.L East? Martínez: I don't know! I can only guarantee the try and I know I will try to do my best when I'm pitching. That's all I could do! OG: To the young kids, especially from Latin America, what will you tell them if they want to become a pitcher like Pedro Martínez? Martínez: My advice is, first of all remain in school, to believe in their parents, to believe in themselves and believe in God and hard work, a lot of hard work. I will be praying to God all those kids will stay healthy and I'm sure they will get what they want. Muchas gracias a Luis Tiant y Pedro Martínez por esta entrevista.
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Shopping: 
March 2002 -- Latino Legends in Sports got the privilege to
interview Red Sox ace pitcher and three-time A.L Cy Young Award winner, Pedro
Martínez.|
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