Maybe he was. I don't know. But Pedro from 1999-2003 was the best five year stretch for a pitcher in the history of baseball. Pedro's peak: 1997-2005 Big Unit: 1995-2002 (missed most of 1996, though)
Splitting hairs really between the two, but I believe the edge goes to Pedro for exactly above. Except I think Koufax had a better stretch - but Pedro's is debatable and belongs in the conversation.
Pedro Martinez is the best pitcher of all time. His ERA compared to the league is the best ever for starting pitchers, and second all time to Rivera. What he did, in that era, facing a DH is ridiculous.
Played golf with Mike Schmidt today down near Philly at The Ace Club. Good dude, a bit quiet, not really into small talk. I didn't get the sense he wanted to talk old time baseball, just wanted to play and keep it light. Huge hitter (although I out drive him twice by a little bit, he out drove me by 40-50 yards otherwise). Good time. Didn't know where else to post this, figured the Hall of Fame thread would suffice. _