Cleveland Indians: Michael Martinez to be back in Goodyear in 2018

The Cleveland Indians have invited a list of players to Goodyear in 2018, including one player who always comes back no matter how many times he leaves.

Bryan Shaw‘s likely departure leaves Cleveland Indians fans with a void to fill. Who will be the player to direct irrational anger toward in 2018?

Michael Martinez may be a candidate for that role as the Indians have brought him back on a minor league deal, which includes an invite to Spring Training.

Those who despise Martinez will never get over his groundout to end the 2016 World Series, but it appears unlikely he will be on the roster in 2018.

But I’ve said that before and yet Martinez always finds a way back, as illustrated by Jordan Bastian.

He adds depth in the organization and is a reliable veteran to fill multiple roles on the field, but he frankly isn’t very good on offense, to put it nicely.

He has a career slash line of .194/.243/.261 in 571 at-bats, making fans wonder if there really isn’t anyone else who can provide depth in a utility role. Erik Gonzalez seems to be that guy for 2018, but bringing Martinez back shows that the front office still keeps him around as a possibility.

This decision also seems to be one that goes along with Terry Francona‘s loyalty to his veteran players, which didn’t pay off in 2016. Was Martinez really worthy of that precious roster spot in the World Series? Probably not.

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It is still December so it is easy to say Martinez coming to camp is nothing to worry about, but that tweet from Bastian shows that the veteran may be seen in Cleveland sometime in 2018. I just hope no one has a heart attack when Martinez comes to the plate for the first time.