Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times says the Dodgers need the best pitcher they can get, and they need to get him now. Shaikin suggests that pitcher be former Dodger Pedro Martinez.

“Each day that passes by makes it more difficult for me to come back,” Martinez said about a pitching again. “I was hoping to go to the World Series and spend one more season in the big leagues.

“Not getting the right team, not getting the right offer, not getting the right position for me to go and play is making it really difficult.”

The Dodgers are stuck since they may not have the available financial resources or prospects to get a pitcher like Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee or Danny Haren. Martinez could be available on the cheap and the team will not have to sacrifice Minor Leaguers.

Jarrod Washburn is another alternative, but he may be harder to pry away from his T-ball coaching duties. When asked if he was retired, Washburn said, “I guess I am.”

Washburn said he would consider offers to return this season.