29-year-old second baseman Miguel 'Thrillseeker' Martinez inked a three-year contract with the Kernels and hopefully brought closure to the contract dispute between him and DM general manager J Ramirez. MM committed for two years at $7.5mm each, and the Kernels have a third-year team option for $.6.5mm with a mil-three buyout.
Martinez came to the team in mid-July of 2060 and wound up a fan favorite as he hit 16 home runs in 64 starts and fielded second with a 5+ ZR. In total, with Phoenix and Des Moines, Martinez hit 26 homers in 145 starts, compiled a 10+ ZR, and earned a 3.1 WAR. Nevertheless, relations with JRamirez were soured when a reported pre-trade agreement had MM signing an immediate extension with the Kernels. MM didn't, pleading ignorance of any such promise. Ramirez responded by leaving Martinez off the playoff roster for the Geoghegan Round versus reigning BBA champions Portland.
A gutsy move, said some. Pig-headed, said others. The Kernels advanced in a tense 3-game to 2 victory over the Lumberjacks. Team owner Walter Wilhelm stepped in and insisted Martinez play in the Doubleday round. Known as a hands-off owner, he was very hands-on in October. "We had to marshal every available resource against the Boobirds," Wilhelm said.
Martinez is set to return to the starting lineup of the Kernels come April. "I don't have any problems with the kid," JR said. "And negotiating with him turned out to be a breeze. I don't think anyone else was interested in him." Reports are that JR feigned interest in another middle infielder and then signed Martinez. "Whatever the case, MM's back, MM'll start, and MM'll win," Wilhelm said.
Facts, Martinez stated.
