This is Part 11 in my series previewing the 2010 MLB draft – The full series:
1. Series Introduction
2. Bryce Harper, C, CC of Southern Nevada
3. Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX)
4. Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Ole Miss
5. Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech
6. Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast
7. Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU
8. Q & A with Andy Seiler of MLB Bonus Baby
9. Examining the Orioles’ Options by Pat Hickey
10. Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (FL)
11. Manny Machado, SS, Brito Private HS (FL)
Today I’ll take a look at Manny Machado.
Here are some scouting reports on Machado from around the web:
John Sickels of Minor League Ball has a summary of Machado:
“Machado has emerged as the top overall player in the high school class, growing from 6-2, 180 to 6-3, 190 over the last 12 months. Scouts are impressed with his glove and he has the range and hands to be a top-flight defensive shortstop. His arm is okay but is very accurate and has a quick release, so it shouldn’t be a problem at higher levels. There were some questions about his bat pre-season, but he’s shown much better offensive potential this year with a swing that should provide a high batting average with at least decent power as he matures. Pure running speed is his only average tool. Signed with Florida International University, Machado is now aligned with Scott Boras and may be a difficult sign. On talent alone, he would fit perfectly with the Orioles at number three or the Royals at number four.”
Bryce Harper is the clear cut #1 prep bat in the 2010 class, but if the Orioles want to take a prep hitter, Machado is most likely their guy. The Orioles are still searching for their shortstop of the future, and Machado could be that guy. There are, however, mixed reviews about his defense. He’s a big kid and some question his range and believe he will force a move to third.
The Orioles have history of going after prep bats at the top of the draft. In 2005 they went with Brandon Snyder and in 2006 they went with Billy Rowell, but those drafts were before MacPhail took over.
I still think it’s a long shot that the Orioles draft Machado, but he’s been linked to the Orioles a few times and Keith Law recently ranked him as the #2 draft prospect.
ESPN has him as the #2 prospect. They also have Pamoranze with the injury bug.
My bad, fixed it. I think it’s more and more likely every day that we go with Taillon, as long as the Pirates don’t draft him.
agreed