Pedro Voted For Free Agency

Pedro Martinez, who had untill November 11 to file for free agency, picked election day to file for free agency.
Martinez just completed a $75 million, five-year contract. The Red Sox have exclusive negotiating rights with him until Nov. 11, when other teams can make an offer for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.

If they don't get me, it's probably because they didn't try hard enough,"

Martinez said after what might have been his final start in a Red Sox uniform.

My heart is with Boston. I hope I get another chance to come back with this team, but if I don't, I understand the business part of it,I just hope that many other people understand that I wasn't the one that wanted to leave. I'm only doing what I have to do."

If he does leave, he would do so as one of the best pitchers in Red Sox history -- and one of its most colorful.

After beating the Yankees early in the 2002 season, he said,

Wake up the damn Bambino. Maybe I'll drill him in the ass."

But this year the losses to New York piled up and he seemed more resigned.

What can I say -- just tip my hat and call the Yankees my daddy,''

Martinez said after a Sept. 24 loss.

Martinez won four ERA titles from 1999-03 before shoulder problems turned him into a seven-inning pitcher most of the time. Even then he could be unhittable at times -- he allowed just three hits in seven scoreless innings and retired his final 14 batters in a 4-1 victory over St. Louis that set up Boston's Series sweep.

It's been a great ride,''

Martinez said after his World Series debut.

I hope everybody enjoyed it as much as I did. Even with the struggles that I've
had up and down during the season, I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed every
moment.''

Red Sox officials could not immediately be reached for comment.


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