J.D. Martinez fit right in on his first full day in Red Sox camp, dressing at a locker between Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramirez and even jumping into a 2-on-2 game of ping pong with Eduardo Rodriguez, Mookie Betts, and Brock Holt.
Red Sox manager can't wait to integrate Martinez not just into the clubhouse, but into his lineup.
"I think he was in there playing with the guys already and like I said yesterday, there's something about him, as far as game information and getting ready, he's going to help a lot of these young guys," Cora said. "I'm not saying they didn't prepare, but there's a difference between the way he prepares and others. The information he has, the notebook, everybody knows about that. The iPad, all this stuff he believes in and he's been very successful. Let's be honest, from where he was four years ago to who he is right now, there's something good about him and people should listen to him and take for what might work for you but I do believe he's going to make a difference in that clubhouse."
And his impact on the lineup?
"The goal is to score runs," Cora said. "A few years ago nobody talked about power. Everybody was on the Royals' trend, put the ball in play, run the bases well and that was the way to win ball games. And all of a sudden it's back to the Astros winning last year and power comes into play. The thing with him is he's not your typical power hitter. Usually power hitters hit homers, they strike out and they don't hit for average. This guy hits .300 and hits 45. I think from the opposition we talk about where he hits, third or fourth, we'll see. Do I want him to hit in the first inning, maybe. Do I want him to hit with men on in the first inning, that's good too. You have to prepare and we talk about protection. I don't know if he's going to protect somebody, but I know the way they attack the lineup is different because that guy with men on is very dangerous.
"Maybe they might be more aggressive with the first two or three guys that hit ahead of him and they can take advantage of it. It doesn't mean he's protecting them, it just means he's making everybody better. It's a well-balanced lineup. It's a deeper team. We talk about the Indians, the Astros, all these offensive teams, New York. I think we're up there with him."
