Phillies take chance on veteran pitcher Martinez

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez has signed a one-year contract to play with the Philadelphia Phillies, the team announced on Wednesday.

Martinez will receive $1 million and could earn $1.5 million with incentives, the Phillies said on the club's website (here).

"I bring with me a legacy," the once dominant right-hander told a news conference after being introduced by the team.

"I'm not here to say anything. I'm just here to prove it. I want to get between the white lines and see what I can do."

Once the top pitcher in Major League baseball, the 37-year-old Martinez has been beset by injuries and has not taken the mound since last season with the New York Mets.

The Dominican Republic pitcher finished with a 5-6 record and a 5.62 ERA -- the worst of his career.

The eight-time All-Star will start his tenure on the 15-day disabled list, though Philadelphia has said the veteran could be pitching as early as July 30.

Martinez is best known for his seven years with the Boston Red Sox from 1998-2004 when he dominated the league and won three Cy Young awards while helping the Sox win their first World Series in 86 years in 2004.

He signed a four-year contract with the Mets in 2005 but never returned to the form of his prime years.

"I might surprise you," Martinez said. "I might not. It's going to be really fun to go and find out."

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Alastair Himmer)