According to Miami Marlins beat writer Clark Spencer, Tino Martinez, the team’s hitting coach, has resigned after reports surfaced that he has been abusing players.
#marlins hitting coach tino Martinez has resigned
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) July 28, 2013
In the report, Martinez was accused of grabbing rookie second baseman Derek Dietrich, by the neck and chain for apparently no reason, in an incident that took place several months ago.
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, was said to be hesitant to fire Martinez after hand picking him to be the hitting coach before the season.
According to an anonymous Marlins player, Martinez, had been verbally abusing players from the start with complaints to manager Mike Redmond, proving fruitless.
“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.
“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.“I think it’s definitely had an effect,” the player said.