Martinez Close to Signing With Red Sox

It appears the Dodgers are on the verge of losing free-agent pitcher Ramon Martinez to the Boston Red Sox, according to sources.

The Red Sox have offered Martinez, who is rehabilitating from shoulder surgery, a two-year guaranteed contract. Boston officials believe they are close to signing the right-hander and reuniting him with his younger brother, Pedro, who won the 1997 National League Cy Young Award as a member of the Montreal Expos.

“More details have to be finalized before there can be an agreement,” said Boston General Manager Dan Duquette, who is negotiating with Martinez’s agent, Jim Bronner. “But things are still moving along in a positive direction.”

The Red Sox have reportedly offered Martinez a $7-million package--$2 million for the upcoming season and $5 million for the 2000 season. The Dodgers have offered Martinez a one-year, incentive-laden contract that could pay him as much as $6 million if he pitched the entire season, which is unlikely.

Pedro Martinez has been critical of the Dodgers because the team offered his brother relatively little money guaranteed.

“Ramon gave his life to the Dodgers and this is how they treat him,” Pedro said. “This is how they always treat him.”