Martinez Takes Shots at Red Sox

On the same day the Boston Red Sox drew praise from newly signed shortstop Edgar Renteria, pitcher Pedro Martinez bashed his former team Friday for their front-office moves and negotiating tactics, and predicted a rough season awaited.

Martinez, who one day earlier had signed a four-year, $53-million contract with the New York Mets, criticized the Red Sox for firing key employees, including team doctor Bill Morgan. Martinez said he was “dumbfounded” to hear that fellow Dominican Manny Ramirez could be mentioned as possible trade bait after being selected the World Series’ most valuable player.

“After giving seven great years, Jason Varitek, Derek Lowe and I were not signed,” said Martinez, who added that the Mets “have shown more respect in days than Boston did in seven years.”

Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein discounted Martinez’s comments and said that the former Boston starter was “a brilliant pitcher ... an emotional person as well.” Epstein added that the Martinez decision opened the door for the acquisition of Renteria.

Renteria praised the Red Sox for his signing of a four-year, $40-million deal, saying he would have stayed with the St. Louis Cardinals if they had made an effort to keep him. The Cardinals reportedly offered him $32 million over four years.

*

Two prominent politicians who will have a significant say in whether the Expos move to Washington, D.C., plan to meet Monday to try to save the suddenly wobbly deal. Mayor Anthony Williams will meet with Linda Cropp, chair of the District of Columbia Council, who earlier this week introduced an amendment that could endanger the move. The move hinges on the city having a stadium financing package acceptable to Major League Baseball in place by Dec. 31.

*

Free-agent right-hander Antonio Alfonseca signed a one-year contract to join his former team, the Florida Marlins, who revised their offer when a routine physical disclosed a herniated disk in the right-hander’s back. He will receive the major league minimum of $300,000 and can earn an additional $1.7 million in incentives.... The Cardinals reached a two-year agreement with left-handed reliever Ray King. .... The San Francisco Giants signed left-hander Jason Christiansen to a one-year deal.