Ex-Ray Martinez may join staff

Dave Martinez says he'd enjoy working for the club.

By MARC TOPKIN
Published October 9, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Bill Serne | Times] Former Rays outfielder Dave Martinez was a spring instructor for the Rays in 2006 and this year filled in through the third week of the season when first-base coach George Hendrick was recovering from knee surgery.

NEW YORK - The Devil Rays are looking at one of their former players to fill the open spot on the coaching staff.

Former Rays outfielder Dave Martinez met last week with executive VP Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon, with a decision expected by the end of the week.

"If they offer me the job, I would highly consider it," Martinez said by phone Monday.

Martinez, 43, was an original Ray then traded in 2000. He retired in 2001 after a 16-year career and still lives in the Tampa Bay area.

He was a spring instructor for the Rays in 2006 and this year filled in through the third week of the season when first-base coach George Hendrick was recovering from knee surgery.

Martinez made a strong impression on Maddon and enjoyed the experience enough to start thinking about a full-time position.

"It would be a lot of fun for me, and it would be different for the guys because I was on their side of it for a long time," Martinez said.The Rays have an opening after not rehiring bench coach Bill Evers. Martinez could get that job, or take a base, with a returning coach, likely Tom Foley, moving to bench coach. The Rays also could restructure or add a quality-control coach.

Steve Henderson (hitting), Bobby Ramos (bullpen) and Hendrick are also coming back. The Rays haven't determined the fate of pitching coach Jim Hickey, who was arrested on DUI charges after the Sept.30 season finale.

[Last modified October 9, 2007, 01:17:38]