Bob Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Former Yankee Tino Martinez starts new role as team's special instructor February 6, 2008 TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Tino Martinez played on four World Series championship teams with the New York Yankees. Now the former first baseman is back as a special instructor. Martinez joined the Yankees on Wednesday at the team's minor league complex, working one-on-one with first baseman Shelley Duncan, who is competing for playing time this season. It was the first time since 2005, when he played for the Yankees, that Martinez has taken part in on-field drills with the team. "It's awesome," Martinez said. "I really enjoy this, the opportunity to come out and coach and help these guys get better, especially the young guys." Martinez will be involved with the team throughout the season, and is also starting his second year as a volunteer assistant coach at South Florida, where his brother-in-law Lelo Prado is the coach. He hasn't ruled out coaching or managing full-time in the future. "Probably, eventually, down the line," Martinez said. "I didn't know how much I would enjoy coaching in college last year, and I really enjoyed it. Right now, I'm just very content with the role I have." Martinez said Duncan made a good impression. "He's got soft hands," Martinez said. "He's a tall, lanky guy who is a great target at first base." Martinez stood behind the batting cage, without a bat, when Duncan, catcher Jorge Posada and shortstop Derek Jeter took batting practice. "I'm used to coming in here geared up for spring training, trying to find my swing," Martinez said. "It's nice to come out here and really enjoy the part of being a coach and helping the players get better, and not worrying so much about what I have to do to get ready for spring training." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaBrick Wall Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 This will improve the Yankees grit by 2 points. Just need Paul O'Neill to come back now and it'll be among the best in the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidhuman Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 This is news I like to hear. A gritty ball player teaching his ways. Kudos to Tine and the Yankees on this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 yay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor99 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Can't have enough former D-Rays on your team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxman Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Not for nothing but Tino definitely juiced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Bringing guys from the glory days. A sure sign that they expect a down year and trying to boost interest;) Akin to the Mets using Buddy, Mookie and Ho Jo. Oooops, Hojo was last year:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GM Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Bringing guys from the glory days. A sure sign that they expect a down year and trying to boost interest;) Akin to the Mets using Buddy, Mookie and Ho Jo. Oooops, Hojo was last year:) The difference is the "glory days" were only 7 years ago, not 20;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 The difference is the "glory days" were only 7 years ago, not 20;) Just like me, 20 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFJF Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 I think it's nice to see Tino being brought in to help out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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