Name:  Manny Machado

Club:  Baltimore Orioles

Country: USA

Height:  6’2”

Weight:  180

Age: 20

Arm Strength: Very good arm.  Easily reaches 90+ across the infield.  Has the arm to play shortstop or third base at the big league level.  Projects better as a third baseman due to his fielding.  Grade: 5

Speed:  Runs in the 6.8 range.  Not the mot graceful of runners but he gets the job done.  Has the ability to nab a few bases when needed.  Not a liability by any means, show good instincts on the base paths.  Grade: 4

Hitting:  Loads with his foot in the air, balancing at the top of his step and adjusting to the pitch.  Does a fairly good job of this but could use more balance at the top.  Gets his foot down in plenty of time to drive the ball. Starts his hands high and drops them into hitting position.  Does a good job of keeping his hands inside the ball allowing him to drive it the other way with ease.  Keeps his hands tight and extends through the ball pretty well.  Very big follow through.  Stands tall through the ball putting his whole body into his swing.  High exit velocity resulting in lots of hard line drives.  Grade: 5

Power:  Has the strength and body to be a power hitter but his swing caters to line-drives and a high average versus high fly balls and home runs.  Projects as a 12-18 home run player in his prime.  Has the ability to go gap-to-gap for doubles.  Will have a steady slugging percentage throughout his career.  Grade:  4

Fielding: Very smooth in the field and controls his body very well.  Plays with instincts and athleticism.  Can get to almost every ball hit his way.  Very good feet and has quick hands when handling the ball.  Projects as a better third baseman but has the skills to play a decent shortstop as well.  Grade:  6

Summary:  Machado is one of the brightest young stars in the game of baseball.  He can hit, field, run, and throw with the best in baseball.  He won’t be a huge power guy, but his spring will provide consistent offensive results.  Look for him to hit for a good average, high on-base percentage, and an above average slugging percentage through his career.  In the field, he’s got great instincts and athleticism.  Machado projects as an above-average hitter and a elite fielder.