I know a lot of fans are upset about the Orioles writing off Machado as
good as gone. But there's a ton of reasons -- that I've gone over many
times, as have others -- as to why they can't lock up Machado long-term.
Machado, 25, is expected to get record money on the free-agent market,
and the O's Johnny Damon Youth Jersey can't support that kind of deal. I don't care who you think you can
trade off the current roster to save a few million here or there, it's
not enough.
As for a front-loaded contract with an opt-out like you suggest, it's a
nice scenario to pay Machado to have him a few more years. But from his
perspective Jonathan Holder Youth Jersey why wouldn't you sign a mega-deal when you're young and stock is up?
He's so close to free agency and his camp has made it known for a few
years that was the direction they wanted to go. A deal is not getting
done. Sorry.
Put Manny to the side for a moment. What about re-signing Jonathan
Schoop now and begin making him the face of the O's?
-- Mike, Kingsville, Md.
There's something Jorge Mateo Youth Jersey the Orioles would be very wise to consider. Schoop, 26, is coming off a
career year, has one more season of arbitration after Machado departs
and should be more cost effective. He's a great team guy, and I could
easily see him developing into more and more of a leader. There haven't
been any serious talks between the O's and Schoop, though that should be
-- in my opinion -- a priority after they figure out who's on this
year's roster. They can't afford to watch Schoop have another monster
year and be in the same boat as Machado -- a year away from free agency.
The sooner the better.
