Bleeding Yankee Blue: IMAGINE MACHADO...

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

IMAGINE MACHADO...

Source: Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America

Imagine a Yankee infield consisting of Didi Gregorius, Greg Bird, Gleyber Torres, and Manny Machado.

I'm sure that idea seems very appealing to you. It does to me, and according to this little nugget found in USA Today, it's almost certain to happen. I'm serious...

Source: Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America

"Manny Machado walked into the Baltimore Orioles clubhouse at 8:48 Saturday morning, circling the room and shaking hands of all his teammates, wondering all winter whether he’d even see them again.

Here he was saying hello.

Before he says goodbye Machado, who was shopped during the winter but stayed when the Orioles never received the trade package they desired, will ultimately end up with the New York Yankees."

Source: Bob Levey/Getty Images North America

As players at various training camps get ready to kick off the 2018 season, some have already started to skip ahead a year and ponder what may happen in 2019. It's their future after all.

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

The idea of Machado manning shortstop or third base for the New York Yankees sounds nice. Will it happen? I really can't tell you, but if you asked me a year ago if I thought the Yankees would end up with Giancarlo Stanton, I would have said no way!

Look, Machado grew up in Miami idolizing the Yankees. Machado’s idol, Alex Rodriguez, spent 10 years in New York and won a World Series. And Machado, who would like to be on center stage in a big market, happens to love New York City. In the end, Machado wants to be a Yankee, and oh, how the feeling is mutual. How many times have you heard that one before? Another big star wants to be a Yankee, but at what cost will it take to make it happen?

(Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

Here's the thing, and this is important. Some are estimating a 10-year deal worth upwards of $300 million. But, at 25 years old, 10 years for Machado might work out.

That being said, we've all seen what has happened with a lot of the 10-year deals. Many deteriorate, some quicker than others because a team can't predict health.

I'm not sure I'd be willing to give out anymore cash and as this past off season has gone, I think a lot of teams aren't either. Then again, a lot of teams aren't the New York Yankees. While it would be nice to have Machado, I hope the Yankees do their due diligence and see what the kids they have can do first.

That being said... I'm imagining Machado in pinstripes... and it's pretty damn cool.