BOSTON -- The Red Sox continue to plan for all possibilities as the free agent market takes shape.

In an apparent effort to make their bargaining stance to Pedro Martinez clear, the Boston Globe reported Wednesday that the team will not guarantee the ace free agent right-hander a fourth year in contract negotiations and will not challenge a reported three-year deal from the Mets if he decides to accept the offer to move to the National League.

 

Various reports indicate the Red Sox have offered Martinez a two-year, $25.5 million proposal, with a third-year vesting option included at an estimated $13 million. The Mets have reportedly offered the three-time Cy Young Award winner three guaranteed years at $38 million, with a fourth-year option.

 

Elsewhere, the team has not commented on a Providence Journal report Wednesday that they have explored a trade with Arizona for Randy Johnson. The paper reported that they have had "numerous" discussions with the Diamondbacks, who would demand right-hander Bronson Arroyo along with top pitching prospect Jon Lester and likely another prospect.

 

Johnson, who is due to make an estimated $16.5 million in 2005, would have to agree to any deal because of the no-trade clause in his current contract.

 

If the club is talking to the Johnson camp, it would be in addition to the club's pursuit of free agents Carl Pavano, Brad Radke and Matt Clement as possible moves to solidify its rotation for 2005.

 

Martinez and Derek Lowe are Boston's two free agent starting pitchers on the market while the team continues to consider what to do with free agents Jason Varitek and Orlando Cabrera. All four could be offered arbitration if the team chooses to do so by next week's deadline.

 

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I hope the Sox get Pedro or RJ because after that our chances of resigning Pavs go through the roof.

Sox need to sign Pedro. It gives them less money for Pavs, and keeps him from going to an NL East team.