Pedro Martinez's media nightmare is coming true: all anyone can talk about is his contract status.

Before the Red Sox's game against the Orioles on Friday night, reporters hit the Boston pitcher with numerous questions about his contract. And, as usual, Martinez had no answers.

''That's why I really wanted to get this done in spring training,'' Martinez was quoted as saying in The Boston Globe. ''I hate seeing you guys wanting to ask about this.''

Martinez had wanted to settle the issue with the Red Sox before Opening Day, but he lifted his self-imposed deadline because of illnesses involving Boston CEO Larry Lucchino's mother and pitching coach Tony Cloninger.

Martinez wants the Red Sox to either pick up his $17.5 million option for next year or agree to a multiyear extension of his six-year, $75 million deal. The Sox have said that they are open to extending the contract, but have indicated it would likely be at a lower annual salary.

Whether or not the two sides can reach a compromise, Martinez showed a little frustration.

''I haven't heard anything,'' Martinez told the newspaper. ''I haven't heard from Lucchino. I haven't heard from (general manager Theo Epstein). I've seen Theo, and Theo doesn't say anything. I don't know anything.

''Right now, I'm ready for anything,'' he added. ''I'm not expecting anything and I don't know anything. I could be re-signed tomorrow, but right now I'm not thinking about it, really. I'm not even interested anymore. I'm already into baseball.''

According to the report, another snag in the negotiations appears to be that now Lucchino himself is sick, which will delay talks.

Martinez had a strong Opening-Day start, limiting the Devils Rays to just an unearned run and three hits in the first seven innings before the Red Sox lost 6-4 on the road. Martinez allowed one run on four hits to the Orioles on Saturday but did not figure in the decision. The Red Sox lost 2-1.