In spring training this year, Cardinals outfielder Jose Martinez told us he's never had a bad day in his life. For most people that would sound like a bit of a stretch, but for Martinez, it's easy to believe that's the truth.
"Whatever happens, it's life," Martinez said. "You go up and down and side to side, but if you know where you are, I think that's the most important thing.
Through Tuesday Martinez is hitting .368 on the season with 10 RBI.
All the man does is hit.
You'd think that would guarantee him a starting spot in the Cardinals outfield, but that's not necessarily the case.
Harrison Bader's defensive impact on a game is a valuable asset, Marcell Ozuna is liable to hit a ball 450 feet any given time, Dexter Fowler is red-hot to start the year and Tyler O'Neill's power potential is second to none.
It does look like Martinez will still get some well deserved starts even when Bader and O'Neill come off the IL, but for the Cardinals' captain of optimism, it honestly doesn't matter how he gets his chances.
"I needed these at-bats," Martinez said. "With Bader and O'Neill on the IL, but I'm going to be ready for wherever Shildt wants me when they come back. I'm not going to be happy to be playing just because they're hurt. I know we need Bader and O'Neill. They're pretty good players and can help us win games."
Every day he shows up to the Busch Stadium locker room, Martinez is just happy for the opportunity to play in the major leagues.
The ultimate team player for the Cardinals, Martinez is happy to welcome his outfield teammates back to the fold, even if it means less playing time for him.
"I'm not going to be mad when they're back and I'm going to be back to my role," Martinez said. I'm just going to be ready for whatever opportunity."
One thing is for sure when it comes to Martinez, though. If his team wants to be successful, more at-bats from him are only going to help.