ST. PETERSBURG — Dave Martinez insisted that in the month since Joe Maddon bolted the Rays, he had not thought one moment about what he would do if not chosen to replace him.
Given a couple days to reflect after the jarring Friday news that he wasn't even among the three finalists to be the next manager, Martinez made the most logical decision and will leave the organization after seven years as bench coach and nine overall.
"I informed the Rays this week that I have chosen to move forward and consider other opportunities that may present themselves outside the organization," he said in a statement. "It was a hard decision that I think is best for myself and the Rays. I want to thank our fans for their overwhelming support. It has meant the world to my family and me.
"For the past nine years, the players and staff have been an extension of my family and the memories that we have all shared and the relationships that have been built will stay with me forever. I can't thank them enough for all they have meant to me."
Martinez, 50, was signed for the 2015 season and will be paid by the Rays, though that could change if he gets hired elsewhere. He plans to seek another big-league coaching job, and there already is speculation he'll join Maddon with the Cubs, who have a full complement of coaches but have not formally announced a staff. A team would have to request permission to talk to Martinez.
Martinez, described by friends as very disappointed, had declined comment since the Rays named Kevin Cash, Raul Ibanez and Don Wakamatsu as finalists. It would have been unlikely — and somewhat uncomfortable for all parties — for him to remain on the coaching staff.
Martinez was a member of the original Devil Rays team until a mid 2000 trade, returned as a spring instructor (and fill-in coach) in 2006-07 then was hired as bench coach in 2008.
The Rays will wait to fill his spot until after they pick a manager, which they hope to do by the end of next week.
Also Tuesday, Triple-A pitching coach Neil Allen was officially hired to the Twins' major-league staff after spending the past four seasons in Durham and eight overall with the Rays. No replacement has been named.
Contact Marc Topkin at mtopkin@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Rays.