In 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.

In 1996, the Red Sox alienated Clemens with what he perceived as a poor offer, and the negotiations were basically over early. By the time they offered Clemens a four-year deal for $22 million, he had decided to join the Blue Jays.

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.