NEWSLETTER
Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Dave Martinez is now former Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Dave Martinez, after he resigned from the organization. That came after the Rays passed over Martinez in their search for a Joe Maddon replacement. Maddon, who is now the manager of the Chicago Cubs, could potentially look to add Martinez to his coaching staff given their long and fruitful relationship. Martinez interviewed with the Cubs last year for their open managerial spot (later filled by Rick Renteria), and is obviously a former Cubs player.
Jed Hoyer yesterday confirmed on the Kap & Haugh Show on 87.7 The Game that the Cubs will, at a minimum, speak internally about reaching out to Martinez. Now that Martinez is officially available, Hoyer said – perhaps a nod to the tampering allegations the Rays have lobbed at the Cubs regarding Maddon – he’ll speak with Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon about how they want to proceed.
Because Martinez was under contract for 2015, the Cubs – or any other team – will need permission from the Rays before talking to Martinez (were that not the case, it would be pretty easy to get out of a contract – just resign, and boom, you’re free to do whatever you want!). It doesn’t sound like that’s going to be an issue, though:
Hearing #Cubs could move quickly on hiring Dave Martinez if they want to, permission from #Rays won't be the issue
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) November 27, 2014
I wouldn’t take that, by the way, as Topkin saying he’s hearing that the Cubs will move quickly to hire Martinez. He’s saying that the Cubs could move quickly “if they want to,” because the Rays won’t stop it. Whether the Cubs want to bring in Martinez, and whether Martinez wants to come to the Cubs, remain open questions.
Either way, I’m guessing we won’t hear too much more on this until after the holiday weekend.
