:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55436145/usa_today_9559642.0.jpg)
Why.
That’s all I want to know.
Why.
Between 2011 (when Michael Martinez debuted) and 2017, no single batter with more than 600 plate appearances has a lower wRC+ than Michael Martinez’s putrid 35. In that same span, among pitchers with at least 100 plate appearances, Zach Greinke and Madison Bumgarner both have higher wRC+’s. Players who spend all of their focus on not hitting can hit better than Michael Martinez. No other team holds onto his well below-average bat and poor defensive skills, but the Indians keep coming back to him.
Why.
He can’t play defense anymore than someone standing at a base is considered playing the position.
Why.
I’m sure he’s a great guy, but he is not a good baseball player. There is no way to defend having a player as bad as Martinez on a team supposedly gunning for a World Series title. Erik Gonzalez has been far from flawless, but he at least has a ceiling. Martinez’s ceiling is his floor.
Why.
The good news is that the signing is reportedly a minor-league deal, so maybe he’ll stay in Triple-A where he can tell young players what it’s like to be the last out in a World Series loss.
Why.