Charlie Manuel’s Funny Michael Martinez Game

Charlie Manuel is a really funny guy.

Michael Martinez, proud owner of the fifth-worst OPS in Phillies history, is making his fourth consecutive start today.  Many Phillies fans are somewhere between bashing their heads against a wall, or just downright complaining:

The only thing sadder than Michael Martinez being the phillies starting center fielder is that he's actually on their roster

— Dan Gittis (@_GITTIS) August 11, 2013

why is Michael Martinez still on the phillies? better yet, still in the major leagues?

— Dominic Gallone (@dgallone5) August 11, 2013

Michael Martinez has to be the worst baseball player I have ever seen.

— Dylan (@Dylan_Huggins) August 11, 2013

I really can't stand the sight of Michael Martinez.

— Omar Baseball (@FightinsFanatic) August 10, 2013

However, yesterday I finally figured it out: Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel is trolling his general manager, Ruben Amaro, Jr.   Logic would dictate that given the Phillies' situation, every roster spot should be spent with the future in mind.  Laynce Nix was a casualty.  Delmon Young was a casualty.  Casper Wells has center field experience and was added to the roster.  But Michael Martinez remains on the roster.

How is Michael Martinez getting this much playing time? No young guy to call up and take a look at?

— Sean (@SeanWats) August 11, 2013

Who decides who is on the roster?   That would be the general manager.  Who decides what to do with the roster he is given?  The manager.

I sometimes reference one game back at the 2004 trade deadline.  Then-GM Ed Wade traded Larry Bowa's only left-handed pinch hitter Ricky Ledee for middle-reliever Felix Rodriguez.  That lefty bat was never replaced.  So, obviously annoyed, Bowa sent up Randy Wolf to pinch hit next time the team faced a tough righty reliever.  Doug Glanville would have been a better option, but the message was being sent.

This was Charlie Manuel's explanation after the third start via Matt Gelb:

"Martinez hit .300 [for Lehigh Valley]; he's been around here a while; he had a few hits Thursday and hit a couple a ball hard last night, so I figured I'd keep him in there.

Sounds like nonsense to me.

I believe that right now Charlie Manuel is sending Ruben Amaro Jr. a message: you give me this roster, I'm going to use it.   In his lame duck status, he might as well have a little fun.

And so, until his GM does something about it, it looks like we will get a steady diet of Michael Martinez.  Enjoy.

Also, enjoy some more tweets:

If you pretend Michael Martinez is being showcased for a trade, it almost makes the amount of playing time he's getting acceptable.

— Tom McGee (@tommcgee84) August 11, 2013

Cliff Lee has a higher BA than Michael Martinez. #Phillies

— GTown_Dave (@GTown_Dave) August 10, 2013

At least we got to evaluate Michael Martinez. He could be a stud

— Stephen Sparks (@StephenASparks) August 11, 2013

Yeah, I absolutely refuse to watch anymore @Phillies games where Michael Martinez is a starter.

— Mr. Fantastic (@Badlukk13) August 10, 2013

Cliff Lee upon being informed Michael Martinez is playing centerfield tonight… pic.twitter.com/5rEavNlHOq

— Broad Street Beat (@BroadStBeat) August 10, 2013

Maybe Michael Martinez is like that girl in the movie Shallow Hal and everytime Charlie looks at him, he sees Barry Bonds

— Stephen Sparks (@StephenASparks) August 10, 2013

@Phillies FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DFA MICHAEL MARTINEZ NOW!!!

— R V 6 (@RockyVonelli6) August 10, 2013