Bo Porter pulled J.D. Martinez from the game Monday after Martinez swung at a first pitch and popped out:
“From a baseball standpoint, I made a mistake today,” Martinez said. “I had a mental error going up to the plate and was totally my fault. I understand everything that Bo did, taking me out and everything. I hold nothing against him, in that sense, because what I did was unacceptable and it was just a mental mistake that will never happen again.”
Martinez hinted that he went against the approach that was discussed at the hitter’s meeting prior to the game.
“It was just something going up to the plate, our plan and everything,” he said. “I got caught in the moment and really didn’t take a step back. The game was moving quick, and I totally slipped, and I take full responsibility for it.”
Good to see Bo not taking the offensive struggles of the team lightly. It’s also good to see he is encouraging good process.
Hat tip, Hardball Talk.
This is going to be a very long, difficult season for Astros fans. If not for their opening night win I think this club had a decent chance at going 0-15 like the ’97 Cubs or even 0-21 like the ’88 Orioles. They are that bad. I’m not sold on what Porter is trying to do either with all the gimmicks such as the spinning motivational wheel in the locker room or the poker chips “all in” gambit. I understand he doesn’t want hitters striking out so much, but how does taking the first pitch every time prevent that, especially if it puts you in the hole 0-1?
It’s like they’ve cloned nine Rob Deers and none can hit.
…. per comments above. The Astros are currently winning 13-0 in the 5th inning. oh and Don Mattingy never swang at the first pitch either… i think he did aright