Orioles prospect Manny Machado moving to 3rd base

[Rob]

http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_...for-bowie.html

The Double-A Bowie Baysox tweeted their lineup for tonight's game against Reading at Prince George's County Stadium, and it included Manny Machado at third base for the first time in his professional career.

Brian Roberts has returned to Bowie to continue his rehab assignment, and he's starting at second base. Jonathan Schoop, who had been replacing Roberts at second, is starting at shortstop.

Machado, the Orioles' top position prospect, is batting .250/.349/.375 with 13 doubles, two triples, two homers, 17 RBIs and 18 runs scored in 52 games. He's drawn 25 walks and struck out 42 times in 184 at-bats. He's also committed 12 errors in 50 games at shortstop.

Machado has played shortstop in 149 of his 151 minor league games. He's twice served as the designated hitter.

Today's move to third could be temporary. It could last one game, or until Roberts reports to Triple-A Norfolk to finish up his assignment. Macahdo is still viewed within the organization as the shortstop of the future, but tonight's start at third base is certain to create a buzz, considering the defensive issues plaguing the Orioles at the corner infield positions.

Update: I'm told that Machado could remain at third base through the weekend, but it's nothing major. He's been taking grounders at third and the Orioles want to evaluate him. They also want Schoop to get some starts at shortstop.

This also is a way to get Roberts, Schoop and Machado in the lineup at the same time.

Manager Buck Showalter is aware of Machado's current move to third. It's been discussed within the organization.

[Bowie-Bruce]

Sounds good to me, for however long it may last. I would prefer that Manny get his first 3B experience in the minors as opposed to Baltimore.

[dandrews]

Title is sort of misleading. He'll only be there for 3 games.

[Bowie-Bruce]

Without the benefit of watching a single game, and only going by posted stats, I'm a little concerned with the 12 errors in 50 games. Then again, there's plenty of room for growth when you're 19.

[Jimmy Jazz]

Without the benefit of watching a single game, and only going by posted stats, I'm a little concerned with the 12 errors in 50 games. Then again, there's plenty of room for growth when you're 19.

As is, that makes him better than Reynolds.

[Rob]

Title is sort of misleading. He'll only be there for 3 games.

This has been discussed within the organization for a few weeks now. I think the move is going to end up permanent.

[AntiMoon]

Most scouts have always said he'd end up at 3rd. He definitely is a better fit at 3B than Hardy and his injured arm would be. Not to mention that Hardy's terrific SS play is his superior positioning and instincts not range. Hopefully we take Correa as our SS of the future but it sounds like Gausman will be the pick on Tue.

[dandrews]

Most scouts have always said he'd end up at 3rd. He definitely is a better fit at 3B than Hardy and his injured arm would be. Not to mention that Hardy's terrific SS play is his superior positioning and instincts not range. Hopefully we take Correa as our SS of the future but it sounds like Gausman will be the pick on Tue.

Correa has less of a shot at staying at SS than Machado does.

And isn't the draft on Monday? I could be wrong though

[afan]

I see either him or Hardy moving over by August.

[AntiMoon]

Is the draft Mon? I thought it was always on a Tue.