Rob Long: Is Machado Happier At Shortstop Or Third Base?
Manny Machado was originally listed as the team's starting third baseman when the line-up was posted on Tuesday. That went against most of the speculation that Manny would play shortstop while Ryan Flaherty, who was just recalled from AAA Norfolk, would play third.
Later, the O's reposted the line-up moving Manny to shortstop and Flaherty to third. Manny has the better arm and was drafted to play the position so, under the circumstances, this made more sense.
This is something that fans of the Baltimore Orioles have been waiting to see. With Manny moving to the hot corner and becoming arguably the game's best at the position, it's only natural that he would be even more spectacular at his original position right? Maybe.
I've heard many say that Manny wants to play shortstop. That's possible, but when I spoke with him during spring training he didn't give me that indication. He pointed out that he's made his name as a third baseman and at least for the time was committed to being the best he could be at that position.
In addition, Manny appeared on MLB Network's The Rundown and told co-host Dan O'Dowd that he will play wherever the team puts him. When O'Dowd continued with questions about Manny's preference it seemed he wanted no part of the conversation. He dismissed it and reiterated that J.J. Hardy is the team's shortstop.
It seems fans and media members want to make a story out of this. Regardless of what Machado says publicly, it seems the opinions of most are that Manny is just holding down the fort until Hardy rides off into the sunset. Maybe the 23-year-old Miami native has visions of one day being the game's best shortstop, but for now, why can't we believe that he's committed to what he does? Can you really be that good at what you do without wanting to do what you're doing? I find it hard to believe you can.
J.J. Hardy is injured. That is unfortunate. Manny Machado is, by trade, a shortstop. That's very fortunate. This looks, by all means, to be a temporary fix for Buck Showalter and the ball club. If Paul Janish is promoted after his stint on paternity leave, Manny's days at shortstop might not be as long as you think. For now...
