Martinez considers winter ball in Dominican

Pedro Martinez began training in the Dominican Republic for a possible return to pitching in this Caribbean nation's winter league.

Martinez, who did not pitch in the major leagues this year, said Thursday he wants to see how he feels before making a final decision on whether to join the Licey Tigers.

The 39-year-old, three-time Cy Young winner went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA during an abbreviated 2009 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. He lost in both his appearances against the New York Yankees in the World Series.

In 18 Major League seasons, he built a record of 219-100 with a 2.93 ERA and 3,154 strikeouts. he has not announced his retirement.

Martinez has not played winter ball in his home country since the 1995-1996 season.