55 replies to this topic

[Remember The Alomar]

Let's assume he stays up for the rest of the season and starts at third on a regular basis. What do you expect offensively and defensively?

I think .260/.325/.400 sounds reasonable. I think he'll be a massive defensive upgrade over Betemit as well.

[Russ]

1.000/1.000/4.000

Seriously, the 3B bar is low. I want average defense and I am expecting .250/.300/.400 line give or take.

[Remember The Alomar]

As an aside, I've seen many--not necessarily here--claim that this call up could somehow hamper Machado's development if he falls on his face. I think that's off base. Realistically, we're only calling him up two-three months earlier than one would have guessed. Also, remember how awful Trout was last season? Not saying they're comparable whatsoever, but it didn't seem to hamper him.

[mweb08]

I don't now what to expect other than better D than Betemit, which isn't saying much. I'm not sure how he'll transition to third assuming that's where he plays, but the bar is quite low and he has the tools to be good there.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I expect Robert Andino + offense, and better defense then Betemit.

The roster improves, because Betemit can now DH, and split time at 1st.

[MattCLund]

This

I expect Robert Andino + offense, and better defense then Betemit.

The roster improves, because Betemit can now DH, and split time at 1st.

[bnickle]

I think he'll put up .700+ OPS. Actually the defense concerns me a bit more than the offense considering he hasn't really played there much. There is def an adjustment period and while I know he's been practicing there it's just not the same as the real thing

[MattCLund]

I think he'll put up .700+ OPS. Actually the defense concerns me a bit more than the offense considering he hasn't really played there much. There is def an adjustment period and while I know he's been practicing there it's just not the same as the real thing

Someone mentioned Manny going through a Melvin Mora-like process at third, which I believe too. The O's think he's not only ready now, but ready to contribute to a pennant chance. Incredible.

[RShack]

What number is he gonna wear?

[Remember The Alomar]

What number is he gonna wear?

No one is using 8.

[SportsGuy]

What if Manny plays third really well....do you think the Orioles could just leave him there and forget the idea of him going back to SS?

Btw, I expect him to upgrade the defense at third but its not a slam dunk he will be good over there do soon.

[SportsGuy]

http://www.baltimore... ... 5994.story

Going to play vs lefties early on.

[bnickle]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-calling-up-top-position-player-prospect-manny-machado-from-doublea-bowie-20120808,0,6065994.story

Going to play vs lefties early on.

If he isn't playing 5 days a week up here I can't get on board. Hopefully the lefty thing is lip service to ease some of the pressure.

[SportsGuy]

If he isn't playing 5 days a week up here I can't get on board. Hopefully the lefty thing is lip service to ease some of the pressure.

Many times, with a young player, you bring him along slowly in the majors...play 3-5 times a week and get his feet wet.

The problem with that is, you are bringing him up for him to help you right now in a pennant race, so how much can you really rest him?

[Chris B]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-calling-up-top-position-player-prospect-manny-machado-from-doublea-bowie-20120808,0,6065994.story

Going to play vs lefties early on.

Well, if that is true (I don't like it if it is), at least we should get a look at him tonight vs. the lefty Smith.

[bnickle]

Many times, with a young player, you bring him along slowly in the majors...play 3-5 times a week and get his feet wet.

The problem with that is, you are bringing him up for him to help you right now in a pennant race, so how much can you really rest him?

Yeah I think its just an easing in process though Im sure they would love to be playing him every night during this stretch run if he shows he's comfortable and contributing. Just as long as the plan isn't to basically platoon him the rest of the way.

[Mackus]

What if Manny plays third really well....do you think the Orioles could just leave him there and forget the idea of him going back to SS?

Btw, I expect him to upgrade the defense at third but its not a slam dunk he will be good over there do soon.

I think they could plan on him being the 3B for 2013. That would save us having to go out and find a legit 3B. Or we could go make a trade or signing for a good one (Headley again, obviously) and trade Hardy.

I think that Manny will definitely be the next Orioles shortstop after JJ, the question is just when does he take over and is that when you switch JJ or when you trade him or when his contract is up.

[ChaosLex]

To walk on water.

[Mackus]

A 700 OPS out of Machado would be a pretty amazing performance for him, IMO. Any expectations over that are probably too high. Although this entire season has been about outpacing expectations, so who knows.

[You Play to Win the Game]

I had no idea he had committed so many errors in Bowie:

Machado has committed 23 errors, including 22 at shortstop. He made two on one play on the night that he hit for the cycle last weekend.

"Most of his errors here in Bowie have been basically focus errors," Kendall said. "They're errors where he took a play off here and there, errors he can avoid just by playing every pitch. He needs to work on that. But he's got enough arm, got enough tools defensively.

"I just think it's exciting for him."

Machado has limited game experience at third base, playing only twice there, but "he's been doing a lot of work over there," Kendall said. "With that mind, once the seed is planted...

"He takes a lot of ground balls at third. I think he's going to be fine at third with work. He's very athletic. He'll adapt to that position if that's the position they choose.

http://www.masnsport... ... ajors.html

Not thrilled about the bold part, although everything else that Bowie Manager Gary Kendall said about MM was glowing, so I don't want to just take that out of context and blow it up. Hopefully he'll be fully focused up here.