manny machado

With the New York Yankees seemingly invested in bringing star free agent Manny Machado to the Big Apple, it’s only fair we, as the fans and analysts, do our due diligence on the athlete.

Reports have questioned Machado’s effort and hustle on the field, ever since the slugger hit a long ball that resulted in a single due to him not hustling. If you’ve played a sport, you know there’s no alternative to running hard and ensuring you give your maximum effort.

In Machado’s case, there’s no fixing his style, as he’s committed to remaining the same type of the player.

The former Dodger stated:

“Obviously I’m not going to change, I’m not the type of player that’s going to be ‘Johnny Hustle,’ and run down the line and slide to first base and … you know, whatever can happen. That’s just not my personality, that’s not my cup of tea, that’s not who I am.

“Should I have run on that pitch? Yeah … but I didn’t and I gotta pay the consequences for it. It does look bad. It looks terrible. I look back at the video and I’m like, ‘Woah, what was I doing?’ You know, just the emotions of the game … I’m the type of player that has stayed in the zone, I’m playing and I’m just in the zone.”

To be fair, as long as Machado is hitting near .300 I don’t really care if he walks to first base on a ground ball. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner and four-time All-Star. His talents aren’t hard to see, but making him something he’s not is clearly out of the question.

Former Yankees rotational pitcher Zach Britton opened up about Machdo, albeit through his father, stating:

“[Zach] says Manny was a great teammate when they were together in Baltimore. I believe his defense played a big role in Zach achieving The Mariano Rivera award [sic] in 2016.”

The reality is, the Yankees will be a better team with him in the starting lineup and featuring int he infield. Questioning his effort is a fair argument, but if he’s a good teammate and playing on his boy-hood club, we can expect him to respect the Pinstripes.

However, I would also make the argument that his price-tag might be too hefty, and he’s going to want a long-term deal. Paying over $300 million for Giancarlo Stanton currently doesn’t bode well for the free agent, but we are talking about the Yankees here, and they’re notorious for grabbing anyone and everyone.

While the New York Yankees and Manny Machado met for all of 90 minutes on Wednesday, the Bombers seem to be highly intrigued by the star free agent.

The short gathering can be perceived in two very opposite ways. Either both sides were on the same page and felt the meeting had gone so well it didn’t need to continue, or they couldn’t stand each other and there’s no deal.

What did the New York Yankees think of Manny Machado?

Early reports indicate the Yankees think Machado is a “perfect fit.”

The #yankees enamored with Manny Machado and believe he’s perfect fit.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 20, 2018

According to the Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Machado’s “first choice” is his boy-hood club, however his asking price might be a oroblem. The Yankees are reportedly not willing to offer more than $300 million for the two-time Gold Glove award winner.

Production and potential:

At just 26 years-old, Machado has had an extremely productive career. Manny played on two teams last season — the Orioles and Dodgers — registering a .297/.367/.538 slash line in 162 total games in 2018. Additionally, he managed 37 home runs and 107 RBIs.

The four-time All-Star could contribute significantly to the Yankees, but the fan base is torn between wanting him and letting him walk. His lack of effort and judgement has sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere.

The very moment that reports emerged that the New York Yankees were pursuing star free agent Manny Machado, the fan-base went up in flames.

Comments ranging from, “he’s terrible for team chemistry,” to “he would be an insane addition to the lineup” have crossed my screen far too many times. But, more often than not, it’s the former. Negativity surrounding Machado has been the primary type of comments from fans.

Why/why does Manny Machado not fit the bill for the New York Yankees?

I sympathize with the fans who are nervous, but New York could be the perfect landing spot for Machado. It’s his boy-hood team and when you put on those pinstripes, expectations are elevated, and the fans let the players know when they’re upset.

I believe Machado would thrive in the hostile environment of Yankee Stadium. He seems to be fueled by the passion and energy, despite lapses of effort and judgement. There’s no getting away from the stats and awards. Two Gold Gloves that would benefir the infield — likely for Didi Gregorius at shortstop while he rehabs from Tommy John surgery — and Manny’s bat would be stellar in an already dangerous lineup.

Just picture a lineup of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Machado staring opposing pitchers in the face. Intimidating would the operative wordfor the fear those hitters would strike into any team.

But the best part about Machado is that while he’s a slugger, he also records tons of base hits. Machado’s on-base-percentage was .367 in 2018, and he only struck out 104 times over 632 at-bats. His abilities on the field are clear, but it’s his attitude that has fans torn.

The prized third-baseman commented about an incident where he simply didn’t run to first-base:

He said via The Athletic:

“Obviously I’m not going to change, I’m not the type of player that’s going to be ‘Johnny Hustle,’ and run down the line and slide to first base and … you know, whatever can happen. That’s just not my personality, that’s not my cup of tea, that’s not who I am.

 

“Should I have run on that pitch? Yeah … but I didn’t and I gotta pay the consequences for it. It does look bad. It looks terrible. I look back at the video and I’m like, ‘Woah, what was I doing?’ You know, just the emotions of the game … I’m the type of player that has stayed in the zone, I’m playing and I’m just in the zone.”

If that’s the type of player Machado is, so be it, but the bottom line is that he contributes to the success of the teams he plays on. It would be no different for the New York Yankees.

The New York Yankees hosted star free agent Manny Machado on Wednesday afternoon, and what was supposed to be an extremely important meeting ended up finishing in less than 90 minutes.

What does a short meeting mean for the New York Yankees and Manny Machado?

Machado has always been a fan of the Yankees, since childhood. Wowing the Dominican-American was an easy job, as watching the men in Pinstripes has been a daily activity for him since he was a mere child.

Manny Machado and the Yankees have been in a mutual admiration society for years.

So to me this meeting is less about salesmanship than it is making sure both sides can live with each other if/when the numbers match up. Would be true even without Johnny Hustle remark.

— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) December 19, 2018

Clearly, the gathering was more about coming to terms than selling the idea of playing at Yankee stadium in front of some of the most excitable and expectations ridden fans in the world. If the Yanks can come to terms with a massive contract for Machado the deal could be done soon, but it reports have stated that the Bombers refuse to go past $300 million.

New York recently took on Giancarlo Stanton’s contract that breaks the $300 million threshold, and it seems as if they’re keen on falling below that number with Machado.

The difference?

Manny is a stellar hitter. He’s patient at the plate and his ability to not only slam homers, but get on base is a very enticing attribute. Additionally, he’s a two-time Golden Glove winner in his seven-year career.

Moving forward, it seems as if the assembly was more of a formality. If the number is right we can expect the Yankees to sign the free agent, otherwise they might be looking at cheaper options in the near future.

The New York Yankees will have a chance to “wow” prized free agent Manny Machado on Wednesday; cue the big-screen display and New York treatment all the way to the best steak in the city. Machado will be treated like a king, similar to Patrick Corbin but with that extra year included in the terms.

The two-time Golden Glove award winner has attracted interest from several other teams including the Phillies and White Sox. Chicago will get the first crack at signing the big-bat, but the Yankees will have their fair shot nonetheless.

My primary concern is: What is the New York Yankees’ backup plan?

Heading into the meeting, the Yankees might be looking to supplant Didi Gregorious for the time being while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Machado’s natural position is short-stop which bodes well for the utilization of his pure talents.

But, if Machado slips away, who will the Yankees look to as a backup plan?

Reports have emerged that New York has looked into free agent Freddy Galvis, according to the New York Post.

The 29-year-old infielder would be the starting shortstop until Gregorious’ return given the Yankees don’t sign Manny. Galvis enjoyed a .248 batting average in 2018, recording 13 home-runs and an impressive 149 hits. While he wouldn’t be replicating the season Didi had last year — 27 homers and .268 batting average — Galvis would get the job done for the time being.

Galvis signed a one-year, $6.825 million contract last year, so he certainly wouldn’t be breaking the bank for the Yankees. He’s a solid player to have on reserve in case his services are needed – he can also play a rotational role to keep the starters rested. Often times depth can be the hidden key to success down the stretch.

For the last few seasons, New York Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner mandated that GM Brian Cashman get the organization under luxury tax threshold to reset their penalties, which had reached the maximum 50% mark. 2018 was the first time in the fifteen years of the modern luxury tax that the Yankees were able to stay under the threshold for the entire season. Along with now free agent catcher Brian McCann’s contract coming off the books, gives the Yankees significant payroll flexibility for this offseason.

If there ever was a time for this team to reset it’s tax penalties, it was now, with a free agent class led by stars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, both linked to the bombers for years now. One of these two megastars will most likely end up in pinstripes as part of a megadeal, especially with the Yankees reported performing “extensive” background checks on Machado.

While Steinbrenner would stay under the luxury tax for more than one year, Cashman stated on WFAN that he is no longer mandated to remain under the threshold, which will increase to $206 million starting in 2019. This means that we could see an offseason shopping spree similar to that of exactly a decade ago, and we all know how that one turned out. The only question is, who exactly is on Cashman’s shopping list?

Manny Machado: SS/3B:

2018 Stats (BAL/LAD):
.294 BA, 37 HR, 107 RBI, .367 OBP, .538 SLG, .905 OPS, 6.2 WAR

Despite his recent comments and antics during the 2018 playoffs, Machado is heavily tied to the Yankees for many reasons. One such factor is his age, being only 26 despite being in the league since 2012, so he’s just now entering his prime years. Facing free agency for the first time in his career, he will get paid handsomely for his services.

The four-time all-star brings excellent numbers with runners in scoring position, hitting .331/.427/.540 in those situations this past year. In comparison, the Yankees as a team hit .253/.342/.442, more or less relying on the home run to generate offense.

His glove would undoubtedly be a welcome addition as well, especially if needed to play at third, where he’s won two Gold Gloves, as well as a Platinum Glove in 2013. While the Yankees were not the worst defensive team in 2018, they committed 93 total errors, which ranked 20th.

If the Yankees are to sign Machado, they can have him play shortstop until Didi Gregorius returns from Tommy John surgery. When that happens, Machado can slide over to third base. If this deal takes place, it will create questions about the Yankees current third baseman, Miguel Andujar.

Contract prediction: 8 years, $280 million