Tino Martinez emerges as candidate for Red Sox hitting coach

Tino Martinez and the Boston Red Sox have been engaged in preliminary discussions regarding the team's need for a hitting coach, according to ESPN Boston. Martinez, a four-time World Series champion, played 16 seasons in the major leagues with four teams.

John Farrell, newly hired Red Sox manager, said that the team would begin interviews this weekend and planned on making an official hire at the end of next week. According to GM Ben Cherington, however, the Red Sox are considering adding two hitting coaches if the situation calls for it.

"I think it depends on who the first guy is and if the right complement is there it's something we'd consider," Cherington said. "There are pros and cons to both approaches. Depending who the people are we see some benefit to two people. It's a big job and trying to give appropriate attention to all 13 position players on the team, so it is something we're considering." - ESPN Boston

As for Martinez, he is a lifetime .271 hitter who had 1,925 hits and 1,271 RBI between the New York Yankees (seven years; won all four World Series titles in New York), Seattle Mariners (six years), St. Louis Cardinals (two years) and Tampa Bay Rays (one year).

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