Marlins Hitting Coach Tino Martinez Accused of Abusing Players (UPDATED)

((ht: miamiherald.com))

UPDATED--Tino Martinez has resigned his job as hitting coach for the Miami Marlins (from @clarkspencer--Miami Herald reporter)

Interesting.

According to a published report in Sunday's Miami Herald, several Miami Marlins players have accused the teams hitting coach, Tino Martinez of abusive behavior.

And at least one of those players, recently demoted 2nd baseman Derek Dietrich says Martinez grabbed him by the neck.

The report seems to be one of many coming to the surface focusing on Martinez and his sometimes bizarre behavior.

According to the report, the Dietrich incident is the most violent, other players have supposedly been verbally attacked with the intent to intimidate.

Read the entire Herald report, and it's pretty detailed, RIGHT HERE

We should also add, Martinez and team Manager Mike Redmond got into a quite public argument. And according to the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Martinez has been doing this since spring training.

Read the Sun-Sentinel's story RIGHT HERE

We certainly don't believe the Marlins condone intimidation or abuse but something here is quite amiss. The report goes on to mention the MLBPA and others have been notified about pretty much everything, yet nothing has happened.

As a general rule, baseball is not known for its screaming, intimidating coaches like, say football. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but it is rare. It's interesting that in this case the report centers around the Marlins, one of the leagues worst teams.

It's quite possible the team will take action on this soon, the report states team Manager Mike Redmond has been trying to get to the bottom of the allegations. However, the Sun-Sentinel reports that Martinez may not necessarily want to quit on his own and forfeit the hefty contract he was paid to come coach. And, also unsurprisingly, Loria doesn't want to fire him and be on the hook for the remainder of said contract.

---Sigh---

Report: Marlins under investigation for business practices

((ht: yahoo sports))

Miami Marlins

All we'll say before getting into this and it isn't directed specifically at the Marlins but rather pro sports in general is--"It's about time!".

Yahoo Sports reporter Jeff Passan says the Security and Exchange Commission has opened an investigation to the team...and Major League Baseball's dealings with the local government in Miami in regards to building the teams new stadium.

Among the concerns voiced: How and why the city never asked to look at the teams finances before agreeing to fund 80% of the $600 million stadium. Especially since the team was citing financial ruin, when in fact they were flush in profits. The report also voiced concerns that team owner Jeffery Loria was funneling money to a separate corporation and not reporting it.

And yes, there are serious implications of bribery and/or deception here. If it can be proven, it will get ugly. Very ugly.

Read the entire Yahoo story RIGHT HERE

This story bring up two HUGE issues with professional sports and the blackmail-like hold they seem to hold over cities and the general public.

Cities around the country are having major financial issues and yet are asked on a regular basis to either fork over money to build a stadium to keep their team or to continue to pay millions to cover the debt on stadiums for fear of repercussions. And yes ticket buyer and taxpayer, ultimately that cost is passed on to you.

It is a never-ending cycle of building the newest facilities with the latest amenities to attract the ultimate Luxury Suite buyer, not you. Who do you think the Minnesota legislature is going to pass the cost of a new Vikings stadium (should it be built) on to? Sure the team will contribute a little, but ultimately you, Minnesota resident will pay for it.

As for this story in Florida, yeah, it is pretty amazing that the city and/or county seemed to be able to secure an immense amount of financing for the Marlins despite the eroding city and county infrastructure. Never mind the fact the Marlins have been of the, if not the worst drawing team in Major League Baseball for years. We don't believe a new stadium will fix that. And as for Loria having the money to pay more for it. Sure he should have, but it would appear on the surface at least that the politicians who should have asked him to do it, never thought it would be an appropriate question.