Sak Sports Blog

The Baltimore Orioles have a trade in place for shortstop Manny Machado, and while it was looking like the Philadelphia Phillies were close to sealing the deal , it appears a different team while acquire the slugger's services: the Los Angeles Dodgers. The news broke before the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, with Ken Rosenthal tweeting teams around the league have begun accepting Machado to the Dodgers. He leaves the door open for a surprise offer to swing Baltimore's mind, but that seems unlikely at this time. The 28-69 Orioles will likely fall even further from their .289 winning percentage without their star player. Don't be surprised if they look good for a couple weeks, ultimately this team will finish with the worst record in decades. On the other hand, the NL-West leading 54-43 Dodgers will get a much-needed push with the Arizona Diamondbacks breathing down their neck a mere half game behind at the break. The Dodgers will look to push the Chicago Cubs for the le...

It's becoming clear Manny Machado won't be a Baltimore Oriole in 2019, and maybe not even in August 2018 after the MLB Trade Deadline. Whether it's at the July deadline or in the free agency period, the Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to Machado for some time.  The Phillies could be aggressive at both the trade deadline, due to  their potential to compete in the NL East, and in the offseason, with the financial flexibility to add another key piece. Machado, who is playing his first full season as a shortstop in Baltimore, says he will not be returning to third base on his next team.  "I've been a shortstop all my life. I played third base for a couple years" he said. Adding Machado to the left side of the Phillies infield would be extremely valuable to the team, but it might block the progress of some prospects with potential. Maikel Franco is already a couple years along, typically manning third base. J.P Crawford, a natural shortstop, and C...