SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Pedro Martinez says he's optimistic he will reach an agreement with the Red Sox that will allow him to finish his career in Boston.

	Pedro Martinez Starting Pitcher Boston Red Sox Profile
	2002 SEASON STATISTICS GM W L Sv K ERA 18 11 2 0 141 2.72

''My contract with Boston lasts until 2003, but I believe we're going to reach an agreement at the end of the season. I'm hoping it will turn out that way,'' Martinez was quoted as saying in Tuesday's editions of the Dominican newspaper El Expreso.

Martinez, who was resting in his Caribbean homeland, had been selected for Tuesday's All-Star Game. But with the Red Sox entering the break just one game behind the New York Yankees in the AL East race, he opted to skip the game and rest up for the second half of the season.

Red Sox spokesman Kevin Shea noted that the team holds an option on the six-year, $75 million contract Martinez signed in 1998 that could keep him in Boston through 2004.

''I want to finish my career in Boston,'' Martinez was quoted as saying. ''The fans and executives of the Red Sox have always given me great treatment.''

The 30-year-old Martinez, a three-time Cy Young winner, has recuperated after losing much of last season to a sore right shoulder.

Since his first start, when he allowed seven earned runs in three innings, Martinez has posted a 2.24 ERA. He also has an 11-2 record.