McAdam: J.D. Martinez made for the DH role

FORT MYERS, Fla. -  For someone whom they identified as their top free agent choice late last summer and have been pursuing officially since the start of free agency last November, there seems surprisingly little clarity from the Red Sox on how J.D. Martinez should be used.

In the press release announcing his long-delayed signing Monday, for example, the Red Sox identified him as "OF/DH J.D. Martinez.''

“We’ll talk about it later on,’’ said manager Alex Cora when asked how his new addition would be utilized. “I know he’s versatile enough that we can make this work. There’s going to be at-bats for everybody and we’re going to use him the right way. He’s going to be terrific.’’

His best fit, obviously, is to serve as the team’s primary designated hitter. Martinez is a below-average defender in the outfield, and the Red Sox have a superb defensive outfield with Andrew Benintendi in left, Jackie Bradley Jr. in center and Mookie Betts in right.

But Martinez enjoys playing the outfield and, according to a report by NBCSports Boston, was guaranteed some outfield time during the negotiations.

Certainly, there will be times when the Sox will want to give Benintendi a day off against a tough lefty and can insert Martinez as his replacement. Or, if Bradley is given a day or two and Benintendi slides over to center, Martinez can play left in that scenario, too.

But Martinez’s best position remains in the righthand batter’s box, and that’s where the focus should be.

Martinez has a grand total of 38 career games as the DH, so there’s not much history upon which to rely.

“To me, it’s baseball, really,’’ shrugged Martinez. “Take it every game how I’ve been playing this game since I was a kid and continue to do the same routine I’ve been doing. Whether it’s DHing or playing the outfield: that was part of the deal coming in, knowing that I am going to be playing the outfield. But I am going to DH at times, too. I’ll kind of just do the same thing I’ve been doing, really.’’

Beyond whatever defensive deficiencies he may have, DH is the best option for Martinez. Few hitters in the game study their at-bats more thoroughly or keep the kind of copious notes that Martinez does. He carries a notebook with him with details about facing individual pitchers and is always seeking additional information and data for preparation.

The DH spot is perfect for such an obsessive. He can spend time in the clubhouse reviewing his next at-bat or anticipating his next one. He needn’t be burdened much by outfield responsibilities. Let him focus on the offensive side of the game, and have him use the time between plate appearances to soak up all the video and scouting reports he needs.

‘’Honestly, I kind of did that when I played right field, too,’’ said Martinez with a smile. “I’m always hungry for information. Yeah, there might be a positive to (serving as DH). I think the challenge DHing is going to be learning the routine and to stay loose, stay warm and be ready for it. But it definitely could be a positive thing.’’

There are resources for Martinez to learn about being the DH, since the Sox only have the greatest DH of all time, David Ortiz, on the club payroll. No one handled the role better than Ortiz, who won the Edgar Martinez Award a record eight times, including 2016, his final season, at the age of 40. If there’s someone who can help Martinez make the necessary adjustments, Ortiz is the perfect match.

He can help Martinez manage the downtime, advise him how to stay physically and mentally ready between at-bats and detail the routine which worked for him – and what didn’t.

As for where Martinez hits, Cora narrowed it down to one of two lineup spots: third or cleanup.

“He’ll be in the three or four spot,’’ said Cora. “He can not only hit homers, but he barrels up balls. He’s not only a home run hitter; he’s a complete hitter. He’s a guy you put in the middle of the lineup. He’ll be in one of those two spots.’’