Tampa Bay Rays-Pedro Martinez deal still unlikely

per The Heater and Marc Topkin:

Pedro Martinez is talking about the Tampa Bay Rays, but the Rays aren't saying anything about the veteran pitcher.

And a deal to make Pedro a Tampa Bay Ray still appears unlikely.

Martinez told the Associated Press on Wednesday in the Dominican Republic he has had talks with the Cubs and Rays and could be in uniform soon.

"There's a good chance I'll be signing soon, but there still isn't anything firm," Martinez said. "Chicago and Tampa Bay are the two teams that have shown the most interest and we are negotiating with them, although I've told my agent not to call me until it's a done deal.''

The Rays have had conversations with Martinez's agent and have had Eddy Toledo, the director of their Dominican operations, watch Martinez throw. But it appears they are a long way from any kind of deal.

Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman declined to comment, as is his usual policy on such matters. Martinez's agent, Fernando Cuza, has not returned calls from the Times.

Martinez, 37, was 214-99 record with an ERA of 2.91 in 17 seasons with the Dodgers, Expos, Red Sox and the Mets. He has been working out in hopes of signing as a starter somewhere