The Pedro dilemma

It was a decision the Boston Red Sox did not want to have to make.

However, when ace pitcher Pedro Martinez demands something, ownership usually listens.

When Martinez forced the Red Sox's hand to pick up his option year, the baseball world was divided on the merit of the move.

Martinez was already under contract through 2003 and had a team option for 2004 that was not due till this upcoming November. However, he started to harp on the fact that his option year had not been picked up.

Faced with the dire possibility of a moody Martinez, the Red Sox decided to grant his wish and give him $17.5 million for 2004.

Now if Boston were assured of a healthy Martinez, then the idea is a no-brainer.

That is far from a guarantee though, as Martinez has been on the disabled list every year but last. He also missed most of 2001 with major shoulder problems.

Signing Martinez to that much money for next season seems a big gamble until you examine the situation more closely.

First, with the Red Sox signing him now, it takes away any idea of Martinez being annoyed with the club and adversely affecting his performance. He can now focus solely on baseball without being dogged by questions on his contract status.

The persistent Boston media had been asking a multitude of questions to Martinez all through spring training about his option getting picked up. Now with these questions silenced, Pedro can now combat the media much more effectively, a group of people he loathes.

Second, the PR nightmare that the Red Sox would have been faced with would have been unbearable.

If Martinez had made good on his threat to bolt after his current contract had expired, and sign with, oh say, the hated New York Yankees, every New Englander would have felt ill.

Now a commitment has been shown by ownership to keep Martinez and not let him bolt like Roger Clemens and Mo Vaughn did.

Also, the guarantee of that kind of money to Martinez makes a very clear statement that the Red Sox are willing to pay to keep up with their rivals in New York.

Giving the option year to Martinez was a little risky, but it's a risk the Red Sox had to take.

A moody Martinez would not have been any fun to deal with during a season when the Red Sox are expected to challenge the Yankees, A's and Angels for the American League pennant.

Getting Martinez signed now also eliminates the media pressure, and allows him to go out and do what he does best without distraction -- blow away opposing batters.

Fans may just see the $17.5 million guarantee, but the Red Sox see those millions as money well spent.