Terry Francona and Pedro

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Posted By: Albie O'Hanian

Here is Francona's explanation on the Pedro decision. He is scheduled to start game three of the World Series.
"The Pedro decision: A lot of people wondered why Francona used Pedro Martinez in relief during Game 7, even though the Sox held an 8-1 lead. Martinez was hit hard in his inning of work, giving up three hits and two runs.

"If you just think it through, we didn't have very many arms," said Francona. "If we get Pedro up, and we had him loose in the inning before, and then sit him down, then there's a rally because we got somebody else up and we want to get Pedro in, you're risking a lot. We're trying to minimize fatigue on a guy's arm and win the game. We weren't exactly in abundance of fresh arms out there."

Francona also acknowledged that he wanted Martinez to pitch in a positive situation at Yankee Stadium.

"I was excited about bringing him in that game," said Francona. "I know he gave up some hits, some runs, but he actually threw the ball very well. I wanted him to be standing on that mound with some success." "