PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: Jose Martinez #53 of the Chicago Cubs (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Jose Martinez was optioned to the alternate site.
It doesn’t matter what your past history is, it is hard to maintain your role as a starter in the MLB when you go 0-for-15 in your first handful of games for a new club. Chicago Cubs outfielder Jose Martinez found this out the hard way, as he was just demoted days after getting traded to the Cubs.
Just a few days after trading for Martinez, Chicago optioned him to the alternate training site, as he went hitless in his first 15 at-bats with the team. It’s hard to argue with David Ross’ decision on this one.
Jose Martinez was a very effective power hitter during his days with the Cardinals
Martinez developed a reputation as a Cub killer with the hated St. Louis Cardinals, as he hit .298 during his four-year stint in St. Louis. The Tampa Bay Rays acquired him in the offseason, but he soon fell out of favor, hitting just .239 with two home runs. The Cardinals, meanwhile, picked up top pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore in exchange in a complete fleecing of the Rays.
To replace Martinez on the roster, former Reds speedster Billy Hamilton was added to the roster after the New York Mets parted ways with him. Hamilton is almost hitting as poorly as Martinez, hitting just .045 over the last few weeks.
The Cubs have reached the point where they’re so desperate to stay in the hunt for a NL Central crown that they think replacing a .000 hitter that has some power with a .045 hitter with no power is an upgrade. Maybe some time in South Bend will help Martinez rediscover his swing. If he fails to turn back into the guy who was a nightmare to plan for in St. Louis, the Cubs will be regretting the day they ever tried to pilfer him from Tampa Bay.