I can say I did understand where the Phillies were coming from when they drafted utility player Michael Martinez in the Rule 5 draft prior to the 2011 season. But why he continues to 1) Be on a major league roster, 2) Actually play some games and 3) Start some of them is out of my realm of comprehension. For the Phillies, a cheap utility player who could play many positions was worth a shot. But come on, now, why is he still here?
Even when the Phillies took Martinez in the draft, many were less than impressed. The blog Call to the Pen offered this scouting report of Martinez at the time of the draft:
"We’re talking about a guy who hit .253/.298/.393 in Double-A this year at age 28. He almost never walks, doesn’t boast plus power, and is merely an average contact hitter and basestealer...Yes, he’s a versatile defender, but there’s a very strong chance that Martinez hits an empty .220 in the majors next year, which just doesn’t cut it unless you’ve got Ozzie Smith’s glove."
Having watched him, I am not sure he has even Pete Orr's glove, and I wish we had that empty .220 this year. After going 0 for 4 in Wednesday's matinee, Martinez is now batting .115. On a team that thought Wilson Valdez's .200 batting average was not good enough, what are they doing with Michael Martinez?
Speaking of Pete Orr, he was on the bench and available for yesterday's game. On a day when Manuel presumably wanted a left-handed hitter at third base, Orr and his .286 major league batting average sat on the bench. As a left-handed hitter, Martinez is hitting a ridiculous .077! Further consider that the Phillies released Mike Fontenot, hitting .289, because Martinez could hit right handed at a .154 clip and it's enough to pull my hair out.
The Phillies have had plenty of AAA utility player property over the years and could do so much better. This year we have/had Kevin Frandsen, Pete Orr, and Hector Luna. In the past we had such names such as Cody Ransom, Miguel Cairo, Russell Branyan and others that were hanging around AAA in case of injury and next season they could easily find more of them.
But please, no more Michael Martinez.
Finally. I'm glad somebody came out & said it.
Why is Michael Martinez even on the team ? If he's
on the 2013 team I hope ONE MILLION Less Fans go
to the ball games, cause it would show the Phillies
management needs a major shake up. Guys like
Kevin Fransen,Pete Orr are so much better & we have
several other choices in the minors that are better. Let Micheal Martinez GO !
Posted by: Tom | September 06, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Finally? My blog has been crusading against Michael Martinez since spring training of 2011.
Posted by: GM-Carson | September 06, 2012 at 02:43 PM
Carson - Never actually wanted him here, I just could not take it anymore after yesterday's game. Read your blog faithfully, as everyone else should!
Posted by: Sports Talk Philly | September 06, 2012 at 02:51 PM
Just checking the stats and if Martinez could improve his average to 246 like Jimmy Pop Up he could make 11 million dollars for 3 more years. Amazing isn't it?
Posted by: joycedaffodil | September 07, 2012 at 09:55 PM
Certainly not basically desired your ex boyfriend the following, I just now would not take it yeast infection after yesterday's sport. Read a person's site consistently, as everyone other than them have to!
Posted by: Louis Vuitton replica | September 08, 2012 at 03:27 AM
The north face jackets uk online store offer womens mens top jackets with cheap price. You can get your favorite easy in our north face outlet store.
http://www.jacketsukonline.co.uk
Posted by: The North Face Jackets | September 12, 2012 at 08:55 PM
After watching today and yesterday's preseason losses, last night capped with a Martinez error late in the game, I'm also asking what in the world is he doing in the majors at all.
He can't hit, he's mediocre at best in fielding, he literally just takes up space, and not much of that either. Sorry Charlie...
Posted by: Keith Gorman | March 30, 2013 at 04:59 PM