Manny Machado has continued his superb play since moving to shortstop with J.J. Hardy on the DL. Wherever Buck puts him, the young phenom impresses. Press play or read the transcript below for more.
Manny Machado has entered the “best player in baseball” conversation with his strong start to the 2016 campaign. After becoming just the seventh player in Orioles franchise history to record 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season last year, Machado has picked up right where he left off and appears to be the current frontrunner for American League Most Valuable Player. He ranks at least in the top ten in most offensive categories and continues to flash the leather on defense.
Speaking of defense, Machado has taken over shortstop duties in the absence of J.J. Hardy, who went on the disabled list with a broken foot. Machado, whose natural position is shortstop, has already accounted for 3 defensive runs saved and a 2.2 ultimate zone rating in just 20 games at shortstop, according to Fangraphs. Whether or not you buy into advanced defensive metrics, there’s no denying Machado’s numbers are impressive across the board.
Many are left wondering what will happen to Machado once Hardy returns from his injury. Will be remain the everyday shortstop? Will he return to the hot corner, where he has a reputation of making difficult plays look easy? While that is yet to be determined, I don’t think Buck Showalter and the Orioles can really go wrong. Machado would probably be a Gold Glover if we stuck him in center field.
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Machado = MVP