AP fileIn a potential repeat of when the Boston Red Sox watched Roger Clemens walk away in 1996, the team reportedly may have hurt its chances of re-signing ace Pedro Martinez due to its tactics in negotiations, the Boston Herald reported.
The team and pitcher made little progress on a contract extension this spring. The Herald, citing "clubhouse sources", reported that the Red Sox approached Martinez with an extension that could be voided if the right-hander was injured. Such a proposal is unusual in baseball, and the story reported that Martinez did not take it kindly.
The Red Sox also must worry about signing or replacing pitcher Derek Lowe and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. Like Martinez, they both will be free agents at the end of the season.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
DeMarco: Plug in a well-heeled ownership group and negotiate one of those mega-bucks TV deals that are going around, and the Dodgers could become the west coast version of the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox.
HardballTalk headlines |
Interactive |
Slideshow |
Unbreakable records in baseball A look at the most unbreakable records in baseball including Nolan Ryan's seven no-hitters. |
Slideshow |
The top tools of baseball You hear a lot about the tools of baseball, but who are the best hitters, fielders and pitchers? We break it down. more photos |