Red Sox Martinez Tired Of Being Judged On Two Months Of Ball In 2020

J.D. Martinez is tired of hearing about and talking about 2020.

The Red Sox outfielder is looking to put last season behind him and to establish a sense of normalcy for himself and the Red Sox as the 2021 season begins.

"Obviously I'm excited," Martinez told WEEI.com.

"I just want (expletive) to go back to normal, honestly. I just want it to be a normal season. I'm kind of tired of being judged on two months."

He hit just .213 with seven homers and 27 RBIs in the two-month regular season last year. By contrast, he played in 146 games in 2019 and hit .304 with 36 homers and 105 RBIs.

"It feels like I'm getting closer. It feels like everything is getting more normal besides the masks and everything. But it is starting to feel a little bit normal," Martinez said.

Not much felt normal for Boston in 2020. With a final record of 24-36, the team was the worst in the AL East. The club is now hoping that they can put last August and September behind them and get back in the mix for a playoff spot in 2021.

"It was obviously a tough two months. I felt like I wasn’t prepared for last year. It kind of caught me off-guard. It was my fault. I take accountability for that," Martinez said.