2011 Philadelphia Phillies: We Seriously Can’t Do Better Than Michael Martinez?

Just as a bit of a forewarning, this article will not be long, and it will not be remotely nice.

The Phillies have, without question, a bloated pimple of a utility player that, thank goodness, normally sits on the bench. 

However, with the injury to Placido Polanco in recent weeks, that pimple has come to the attention of most, and now it seems to be coming to a head.

Really, now, Kenny, is it necessary to compare a human being to a zit?  I concede that this is maybe not the most gentle metaphor, but I have to do something to relieve the pain of having to watch one of baseball’s very worst players.

The Michael Martinez apologists out there will usually defend him thusly, “Well, he’s versatile.  He plays multiple positions.  Remember that four-hit game that he had?”

I do remember Martinez’s four-hit game.  I also remember that it pushed his batting average to an embarrassing .219.  So, let’s get this right.  He actually needed to get that four hit game to push above the Mendoza Line?

Michael Martinez has some speed.  However, in 65 and 151 at-bats, he has exactly three steals.  Nine total walks push his pathetic .212 batting average to a .256 OBP, and even his slugging percentage is under .300. 

Is there anyone out there that would like to bring up Martinez’s defense?  Yes, Michael Martinez can play multiple positions.  Yes, he plays both infield and outfield positions.  No, he is not anywhere near a strong fielder at any of those positions.  His fielding percentage hovers at around .950 in both the outfield and at third base.  Personally, I have seen at least three or four instances at third base in which he was “generously” scored and did not receive errors.

To boot, I’ve actually heard people in Philadelphia say how “lucky” we were to get him in the Rule 5.  How is it lucky to acquire a 28-year-old, 145-pound player who had never played a Major League baseball game prior to 2011?

Last year, Wilson Valdez was our “super sub.”  He did a better than admirable job filling in for just about everybody not named Charlie Manuel. 

All of a sudden, Polanco is injured and Valdez is still riding the bench?  It is irrefutable that Valdez is a better hitter, fielder, runner and thrower than Michael Martinez.  Is Martinez performing odd jobs around Charlie’s house? 

Can someone please help me to understand why this “player” is still on a Major League roster?  Not just any Major League roster, the one with the best record in baseball.

Position flexibility is nice, when a player is actually adept at the positions, or at least can hit.

With Valdez able to patrol second base, shortstop and third base, and Mayberry able to patrol all three outfield positions and first base, there is absolutely no need for this individual to take up space in the clubhouse, let alone the actual field.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com