Red Sox' two-year offer surprised Martinez

Speaking prior to the Red Sox' 14-5 loss to the Rays Tuesday night at Fenway Park, Victor Martinez addressed his impending contract negotiations, which unexpectedly (for Martinez) kicked off with the Sox offering a two-year deal.

"That's a business part of the game," he told WEEI.com regarding the offer. "They're trying to do one thing, and we'll see what happens. I don't really have to do it. They came with something, and that might just be where the negotiations start. But I don't see myself signing a two-year deal. I'm young enough (31). I work hard and I give it all. I just want to be treated fair."

Martinez explained that he is feeling no stress in regard to the uncertainty that looms as he draws closer to becoming a free agent for the first time in his career, partially because he never expected the process to begin as soon as it has.

"It wasn't hard because it wasn't something I was expecting," Martinez said. "I wan't expecting a two-year deal. I wasn't expecting them to come to me during the season, anyways."

Martinez said he is approaching the offseason in the same manner he has throughout his career, hoping to let his body of work to this point speak for itself.

"I don't think I have to worry about it. Everything is out there," he explained. "I don't have to hide anything. Everything is on the table. I'm just going to go home and prepare myself like I do every year, whether it's for here or somewhere else. Just keep playing until I win a championship."

Martinez noted that he has never won a championship at any level of baseball, and hopes to play another five or six years. He also said that while he will continue to view himself as a catcher, he will be basing his offseason decision more on an opportunity to win a title rather than any commitment to catching full-time.

"I just want to be part of a winning team," said Martinez, who is hitting .288 with 14 homers. With two more hits against Tampa Bay left-hander David Price, the catcher also is now hitting .408 with a 1.200 OPS vs. southpaws. "I want to win a championship. Whatever it takes it to do it. I'll do anything to make the team better, put the best lineup on the field."

To read more regarding Martinez' take on his situation, click here. For more Red Sox coverage see the team page at weei.com/redsox.