Can the Cardinals-Pedro talk

The buzz centered around a meeting between the Cardinals and Pedro Martinez on Thursday morning, but as soon as the headlines rolled around for Friday, it was over. Pedro Martinez is not, and will not become, a closer candidate for the Redbirds (last graph).

Intrigue over approaching former Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez as a potential closer will go no farther. The club now views projected set-up man Ryan Franklin as its alternative to Chris Perez and Jason Motte should the younger pitchers not assert themselves this spring.

Something tells me Pedro still wants to start. If he can get a gig as a fifth starter somewhere else, he'll take it.

Fantasy Impact: Much has been made of Jason Motte's makeup as a future closer, but what's not to like about Perez? This battle could go on and on and on.