This act may not seem like much of a big deal to some people, but it's a violation of a timeless baseball code.
The fallout started yesterday in Baltimore when new manager Terry Francona was asked about Martinez's perceived transgression. General manager Theo Epstein Sunday night said Francona would talk to Martinez about the matter.
Didn't happen. Probably won't happen. Francona said he didn't want to bother Pedro on his day off. The manager said it was his (Francona's) fault for not making the rule better-known during spring training.
Ouch. Francona looks weak. There's nothing new about the idea of all players staying at the park until the game is over. The manager is covering for his player, which makes for a poor start in some eyes. It's unfortunate that he was put in this position.
Remember Butch Hobson? We still have photos of Daddy Butch chatting with the tardy Roger Clemens while Clemens wore headphones as the two ran laps. It was like Dukakis in the tank.
It's understood that many Sox fans don't care what Martinez does as long as he pitches effectively. If you are in that camp, good for you. Just don't accuse the media of "running poor Pedro out of town." He appears to be running from Boston all by himself.
At some point before last season, Martinez made up his mind that he was not being respected by management. We know he still feels that way. It appears he wants to leave.
It's an interesting theory, this "no respect" thing. Last spring, when the Sox were under no obligation, they triggered the $17.5 million 2004 option year on Martinez's contract. He never said thanks. He told them it would not help them in their efforts to sign him to a contract extension beyond this season. Then a fan booed him when he gave up 10 runs in the home opener and Martinez decided the fans were against him. Then a couple of writers wrote about his behavior and he stopped talking to the media. Oh, and then some of the whiner liners were tough on him.
