Pedro Martinez tells MLB, players to find solution 'for the fans' - ESPN

Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez spoke out about the looming lockout hanging over Major League Baseball, saying a resolution must be found to protect the sport and fans.

«I feel for the fans, and I know when it's good, and it's good, baseball is good right now,» Martinez said Saturday, according to the Boston Herald. «So stop the crap around and get something done and don't lock out baseball for the fans.»

In Boston for the Pedro Martinez Foundation's 10th annual gala, Martinez said that «honestly speaking, I'm pissed» as he appealed to both players and owners to find a solution.

«Please, for the fans, both sides, figure it out, a good way to get it done, and do not lock out baseball,» Martinez said.

The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1. MLB owners are trying to put a salary cap in place. Their latest offer, made Tuesday, would delay the implementation of the cap until 2028.

The players' union has remained steadfast against any talks of a salary cap during negotiations.

Martinez was hurt in multiple ways by a previous baseball stoppage early in his career. At the time of the 1994 strike, he was in his first season with the Montreal Expos, who had the best record in the majors at 74-40 and dreams of a World Series title when play was stopped. The cancellation of the rest of the 1994 season also kept Martinez a day away from arbitration eligibility.

«I hope the commissioner can see me and hear and the players' association hears what I have to say. I might be insignificant, but I lived it before. I experienced that before,» Martinez said. "… I was one of the most punished players at that moment because I had talent, and I needed to wait until arbitration to make my money. So I hope they don't mess