--C Victor Martinez was offered a two-year deal by the Red Sox, according to WEEI.com, and the switch-hitting catcher said that he was looking for a longer commitment as he approaches free agency. Martinez hasn't had a great season given injuries and a slump to start the year, but the 31-year-old is hitting .288 with 14 home runs and boasts a 1.200 OPS against left-handed pitching this season.

"That's a business part of the game," Martinez told WEEI.com about the two-year 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. I work hard and I give it all."

--C Jason Varitek returned to the lineup for the first time since breaking his foot June 30. Varitek went 0-for-2 in Tuesday's game, and spoke afterward about his willingness to play at least one or two more seasons. "I definitely want to play. There's no question," he said. "Things have, health-wise, turned the corner outside of a freak broken bone that allows me to do some things at a high, high level. I definitely want to play."

--LHP Dustin Richardson threw wildly in the third inning on a play in the field, and Sox pitchers were charged with their 20th error of the season. The 20 errors lead the American and National League this season, and the total is the highest by a Sox pitching staff since 1993.

--INF Marco Scutaro is dealing with an inflammation of a longtime rotator cuff injury in his right shoulder, according to an MRI he took Tuesday. The Red Sox moved him to second base to ease the burden on his shoulder. He left Tuesday's game once it turned into a blowout.

--DH David Ortiz will have his $12 million-plus option picked up for the 2011 season, according to a report by ESPNBoston.com. It was thought the Sox might have an interest in signing Ortiz to a two-year contract worth less money. Ortiz has reached his home run total for last season with nearly a month to go, and he is enjoying a successful bounce-back year.

"He's an important part of what we do. I don't think we've ever tried to hide that fact," manager Terry Francona said. "It was tough in April because he was struggling so much. When you have a designated hitter that is your full-time designated hitter, they need to be a huge force in your lineup, just as David has been."

BY THE NUMBERS
20 -- Errors committed by Red Sox pitchers this season after they committed one in the Sept. 7 loss. The Sox pitchers led the majors in errors this season by a wide margin.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"From when they went in and saw the amount of healing, that it was in a line. It just sounded really optimistic. So that was good to hear. Certainly rather hear that than have them come out and say, 'Oh boy, this isn't what we thought it was going to be', and things like that." -- Manager Terry Francona, talking about 2B Dustin Pedroia, who underwent surgery to insert a screw in his fractured left and should be able to start working out in December.

Copyright (C) 2010 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.