Article: Martinez is the message Top salary a commitment to winning, Red Sox say; TOP SALARIES Baseball's highest average salaries: Pedro Martinez, Boston $12.5 million per year, 1998-2003. Greg Maddux, Atlanta $11.5 million per year, 1998-2002. Barry Bonds, San Francisco $11.45 million per year, 1999-2000. Albert Belle, Chicago White Sox $11 million per year, 1997-2001. Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs $10.625 million per year, 1998-2001.

The Boston Red Sox didn't make Pedro Martinez the highest-paid player in baseball history just so he could pitch every fifth day. They also hired him to convince the fans and even some of his teammates that they are willing to pay for a winner.

"This sends a very clear message to our fans that the club aims to put a contending team on the field for 1998," general manager Dan Duquette said Friday after announcing the six-year deal that will guarantee the 26-year-old right-hander $75 million.

But in order to win, the Red Sox will need others. And the huge salary given to Martinez has attracted the attention of first baseman Mo Vaughn and infielder John Valentin, whose agents excitedly ...

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