Martinez’s main goal: Win World Series
First- time manager Dave Martinez knows that the Nationals hired him with one goal in mind.
“We’re not here just to win a playoff game. We’re here to win the World Series,” said Martinez, echoing the underlying sentiment that led the Nationals to part ways with Dusty Baker.
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo introduced Martinez at a news conference in the home clubhouse at Nationals Park on Thursday.
The 53- year- old Brooklyn native, whose family is of Puerto Rican descent, joins Rick Renteria of the White Sox and recently hired Red Sox manager Alex Cora as the third active Latino skipper in the majors.
“It’s gratifying,” Martinez said when asked in Spanish what it feels like to join Renteria and Cora. “There’s a lot of good Latin personnel out in baseball, coaching, in the front office, and it’s nice to be recognized. But I really believe I’m here because of my merit, not because of any race or anything like that.”
The Nationals have never won a postseason series, but Martinez said: “This team doesn’t lack much.”
Martinez has been a bench coach in the big leagues for a decade, most recently with the Cubs. The former Cubs outfielder also played 16 years in the majors.
Rizzo calls Martinez a “perfect blend of the old school” with the use of analytical statistics.
Sox decline option on Soto
The White Sox declined the $ 3 million option on catcher Geovany Soto, making him a free agent. They also reinstated outfielder Charlie Tilson and right- hander Zach Putnam from the 60- day disabled list.
Also, right- hander Mike Pelfrey ( 3- 12, 5.93 ERA in 2017) filed for free agency.
The Sox also named 27- year- old Class A Kannapolis manager Justin Jirschele minor- league coach of the year and Phil Gulley scout of the year.
In his first season, Jirschele led Kannapolis to a first- half division title and a berth in the South Atlantic League finals.
Puig robbed during Game 7
Police say the home of Dodgers star Yasiel Puig was burglarized while his team was losing the World Series.
Police say officers answered a burglary alarm at the Encino, California, home Wednesday evening and found a smashed window with several items taken. There’s no word on the value of the items.
This and that
The Angels agreed to terms on a reported five- year, $ 106 million contract with outfielder Justin Upton.
The Athletics picked up second baseman Jed Lowrie’s $ 6 million option for 2018.
The Mariners declined the options for right- handers Yovani Gallardo and Hisashi Iwakuma, making both pitchers free agents.
The Red Sox hired Tony La Russa to serve as a vice president and special assistant on its baseball operations staff.