Marlins hitting coach resigns over abusive behavior
MIAMI ? Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez has resigned after a player notified the team Martinez erupted in anger unjustly and grabbed him by his neck and neck chain, according to multiple sources.
Earlier Sunday sources said team owner Jeffrey Loria, who made the decision to hire Martinez, had nixed the idea of accepting Martinez's resignation, at least for now.
According to two sources, the agent for rookie second baseman Derek Dietrich, who was demoted last week to the minors, contacted team officials about the alleged incident, which occurred several months ago.
Dietrich's agent, David Meter, would neither confirm nor deny that the incident took place.
"I'd rather not address it," Meter said. "I think it's a team issue."
"I'm sure if there is an issue, it will be addressed," said Marlins spokesman P.J. Loyello.
The Major League Baseball Players' Association was notified of the alleged incident, as well as others involving Martinez, and the union then contacted the commisioner's office. That office was expected to contact the Marlins on Tuesday.
Martinez and manager Mike Redmond weren't on the field at the start of batting practice before Friday's game. Instead, two sources said they were meeting privately with Marlins front office executives to discuss the allegation.
One Marlins player, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, said Martinez has been verbally abusive to players on a number of occasions since the start of spring training in February. A few players have complained to Redmond about Martinez's behavior.
"It's all shocked everybody," the player said. "He uses intimidation. It's been a problem since day one."
According to sources who have witnessed Martinez's profanity-laced eruptions, other players who have been attacked verbally by Martinez include outfielder Justin Ruggiano, infielder Chris Valaika and minor-league infielder Matt Downs. Another source said the list of players is much larger than that.
Martinez, 45, is a 16-year major league veteran and two-time All-Star who amassed 1,925 hits, mostly with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners.
Though he had never coached before at the professional level until this season, he was Loria's hand-picked selection to take over as the Marlins' hitting coach. The Boston Red Sox also had interest in hiring Martinez before the season.
The Marlins are the lowest scoring team in the majors this season.
Injuries and a lack of experience in the lineup have been singled out as the two biggest reasons for the team's lack of offense. But one player said that the rift between hitters and Martinez has also had an effect.
"I think it's definitely had an effect," the player said. Injuries and a lack of experience in the lineup have been singled out as the two biggest reasons for the team's lack of offense. But one player said that the rift between hitters and Martinez has also had an effect.
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