Dodgers News: JD Martinez Feels His Swing is in a Good Spot to Start the Year
The Dodgers went out this past winter and signed DH specialist J.D. Martinez to a one-year deal. Martinez had spent the last five seasons with the Boston Red Sox, and turned into one of the better hitters in the league, especially at the designated hitter spot. He’s collected over 1,500 hits throughout his 12-year career, and will look to do the same for the Dodgers.
The 35-year-old spoke with the media earlier this week, and said he likes where his swing is at right now.
“Every day is trying to just build. Trying to compound good days after good days,” Martinez said. “Trying to fine-tune the swing every day. At the beginning, tried to figure it out and find out. I kind of have a better idea of where I need to be and spots I got to get to in my swing, so I feel better. … You’re never ready for the season, it feels like. My body feels good, my swing feels good and competitive every time I go out there. I feel like I’m ready.”
via Spectrum Sportsnet LA
The five-time All-Star will look to contribute big-time to the Dodger lineup and earn his fifth All-Star selection in the last six seasons. J.D. has always been a threat in the lineup, and even though he was an All-Star last season, he had a down year by his standards. In his final season in Boston, Martinez slashed .274/.341/.448 with a .790 OPS, while only hitting 16 home runs and driving in 62 RBIs.
However, we must take those numbers with a grain of salt, as the Red Sox weren’t in playoff contention and finished last in the AL East. This season will be a lot different for Martinez, as he will play meaningful baseball and will be in contention for not only the division, but for the World Series.
LA is going to need whatever is left of Martinez, and it’s great to hear that he feels fantastic. So far, that hasn’t exactly shown, but as he’s said before, he’s not known to be a fast starter. Let’s hope he starts picking it up soon.
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Well I’m glad he feels it is. Because I’m not to excited but it. Threw the spring and here at the start I haven’t seen anything to be excited about. His couple of hits have been opposite field singles. Which could be from a late swing. The team has a bat at triple A who doesn’t have a defensive position but can hit. That’s Micheal Busch. That’s who should be the DH. Martinez was wasted money.