Its rarely a great sign when your Trade Deadline acquisition is optioned out hardly a week after he showed up.
So it is for erstwhile big righty bat Jose Martinez, who has been optioned to the South Bend alternate location to open up an area on the active lineup for newly-claimed outfielder Billy Hamilton. (Talk about 2 exceptionally different ability sets, eh?).
Martinez, youll recall, is under control via arbitration beyond this year, but it was currently a concern on whether he d deserve a tender. After fighting with the Rays this year and after that starting his Cubs career 0 for 14 before the choice, Im thinking the tender is appearing like an extreme long-shot. Lets just hope the two PTBNLs the Cubs owe the Rays were exceptionally conditional.
Hamilton, the ultimate speed-and-defense guy takes Martinezs spot, and can undoubtedly replicate the 0 for 14 efficiency at the plate if the Cubs require. That is to state, Hamilton can not hit. He might only barely hit in his finest years with the Reds, but that part of his profession seems to be completely gone. Hes purely for pinch-running and late-game defense. Hes still among the finest at those 2 abilities, and Im VERY delighted the Cubs have him on the roster for the stretch.
One fascinating aside on the roster move? Instead of IL ing Jason Heyward for the Hamilton area, the Cubs optioned Martinez. Possibly a good enthusiastic sign on Heywards heath? Hes out of the lineup tonight, for what its worth.
