Oriole fans who are looking for a player to watch in these compelling Division Series can root for Austin Hays, who’s now with the Philadelphia Phillies, Adam Frazier, of the Kansas City Royals, or they can watch one of the most controversial players in recent years, Manny Machado, of the San Diego Padres.
It’s been more than six years since Machado left the Orioles for the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 2018, but his time with the team remains fresh.
He’s 32 years old now, but as he often was with the Orioles, Machado is the center of attention in the Padres-Dodgers series.
In Sunday’s Game 2, Machado was seen chirping at another former Oriole, Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty, and was later accused of throwing balls near his former manager with Los Angeles, Dave Roberts.
In between, Machado gathered his teammates in the dugout to inspire them in their 10-2 Game 2 win.
In the first inning, leftfielder Jurickson Profar made a terrific catch, taking a home run away for Mookie Betts, and Profar taunted the Dodger Stadium crowd. Later in the game, a fan threw a baseball at Profar and others threw water bottles at Fernando Tatis Jr., who was hit by a Flaherty pitch.
The subject of Machado throwing balls near Roberts didn’t come up until late in the Dodgers manager’s Monday media session, but it was clear he was upset.
“I didn’t notice it at the time. I really didn’t. I didn’t notice it,” Roberts said. “I did see the video. And it was unsettling. Obviously I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it. It didn’t almost hit me because there was a net.
“And that was very bothersome. If it was intended at me, I would be very — it’s pretty disrespectful.
“So I don’t know his intent. I don’t want to speak for him. But I did see the video. And the ball was directed at me with something behind it. But I don’t know what led to that. I didn’t see it in real time, but I did see the video.”
The Machado incident was the first question at Padres manager Mike Shildt’s pregame press conference before Tuesday’s Game 3.
“As far as Manny goes, it’s unfortunate people can’t move on from things from the past.” Shildt said. “I thought Manny’s exhibition of professionalism and leadership were on display the other night in a very tough environment.
“He nor I nor anyone would profess to be perfect, but Manny has made some strides that are very impressive both on and off the field. It’s been a privilege to witness that.
“It’s representative of him being a Roberto Clemente Award winner and I expect him to win it. I get the privilege of seeing him, along with our players, behind the scenes do some really special things for young people, our community.
“But people have their right, clearly, to share what they want and how they want to share it.”
In 2018, Machado’s only postseason with the Dodgers, he was accused of kicking Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jesús Aguilar when he was running out a ground ball in the National League Championship Series, and there were several noted incidents during his time with the Orioles.
In 2014, Machado was suspended for five games for throwing a bat and in 2016, he was suspended for four games for charging the mound after the late Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura threw at him.
Oriole fans clearly have not forgotten Machado. Fans wearing his jersey can still regularly be seen at games, and regrettably, some fans booed him before each at-bat during the July series with the Orioles.
Machado has nothing but fond memories of Baltimore and his time with the Orioles. He’s found happiness and continued success with the Padres and is clearly on track for the Hall of Fame.
Machado’s time with the Orioles was unforgettable. He made so many wonderful plays in the field and was a key component to their success from 2012-2016. Baseball can use some controversy, and Machado has both talent and charisma and the ability to attract fans.
Note: Longtime Orioles’ executive T.J. Brightman, the team’s senior vice president and chief revenue officer, is leaving the team. According to a source, Brightman and the team mutually agreed that his contract not be renewed.
Call for questions: Most weekdays, I’ll be answering Orioles questions. Please email them to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.