Red Sox won’t add 4th year for Pedro

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004 | 9:04 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Lest there remain any doubt about their resolve, the Boston Red Sox indicated they were fully prepared to let Pedro Martinez take his remarkable skills elsewhere rather than guarantee him a four-year contract to stay in Boston.

A three-year deal, yes. A day after the New York Mets entered the competition for Martinez, the Red Sox appeared open to eliminating any remaining escape language in their latest offer to the three-time Cy Young Award winner and fully guaranteeing him $38.5 million over three years plus $2 million in potential bonuses.

But four years? No way, according to sources familiar with the team's position.

In fact, the Red Sox wonder whether a four-year deal would be enough. Team executives, after recently meeting with their former ace in Florida, harbor concerns about whether he even wants to continue his career here. Though team president and CEO Larry Lucchino publicly said the meeting "went fine," Red Sox officials came away privately wondering whether Martinez believes he would be happier elsewhere.

Morales plays first base, third base and the outfield.