Category Archives: Manny Machado

2018 MLB Season Preview: Baltimore Orioles

Over the last decade, the AL East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. The Baltimore Orioles have been right up there with the Yankees and Red Sox in recent memory, but they took a step back last year.

Baltimore didn’t make many moves this offseason. They let some guys walk and didn’t make any big money deals. They could benefit from adding a free agent starter before the season, but they haven’t been tied to any of them.

Baltimore had a disappointing season in 2017 by only winning 75 games. Some young talent made huge strides, but at the same time, some of their high-priced talent didn’t live up to their paychecks. Can they compete for the division with their current roster?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Baltimore Orioles.

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2018 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 50 Third Baseman

We finish our infield fantasy baseball rankings with the top fifty third baseman.

The third base position has been deep in the past, but it’s quite top-heavy this year. If you don’t pick one of the top-four third baseman this season, you’re doing your team a disservice.

Nolan Arenado is the consensus best fantasy third baseman this season. Who is the second-best – Kris Bryant, Manny Machado or Josh Donaldson?

My rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

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2017 MLB Season Preview: Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore decided to keep Buck Showalter after his managerial boner in the AL Wild Card game last year. I bet Zach Britton will be called to pitch in more tied extra innings games this season.

The AL East bounced back last season after a poor 2015 season. The Yankees and Red Sox made trades to improve their teams and the Orioles and Blue Jays both made it to the Wild Card game last year. I expect another four-team chase all season. An injury or trade could be the difference between first and fourth place in the AL East.

How will Mark Trumbo perform after getting rewarded with a new deal?

Here is the 2017 MLB season preview for the Baltimore Orioles.

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2016 MLB Season Preview: Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore has managed to keep near the top of the AL East recently with players that came through their farm system. They made some smart moves over the years, but now with a bare farm system, they will need to learn to win in a different way.

The AL East is never down for long. After a fairly weak 2014 season, the division bounced back to life last year. It will be very competitive again in 2016.

How will Chris Davis perform after getting a huge pay day?

Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Baltimore Orioles.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore managed to deal with a lot adversity and still won the AL East. When Matt Wieters and Manny Machado struggled with injuries, other players stepped up and contributed. They took the motto “next man up” to another level.

The AL East had a down year in 2014, but the Red Sox and Blue Jays added some major talent in the offseason. Baltimore will need some of last year’s magic to contend with them.

Can Wieters and Machado stay healthy in 2015?

Will Chris Davis regain the power and average he showed in 2013?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Baltimore Orioles.

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2014 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 40 Third Baseman

You want power numbers from your third baseman. It’s a position that is loaded with players with 30+ home runs. There are even a few with .300 batting average and major power. If you get the right player at third base, you could be in a nice position to win your fantasy baseball league.

Will Miguel Cabrera contend for another Triple Crown?

My 3rd base fantasy baseball rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers – This was a no-brainer. He’s the #2 overall best fantasy baseball player right behind Mike Trout. I expect another MVP-caliber season from him.

2. Adrian Beltre – Texas Rangers – Beltre is one the most consistent players in baseball. He consistently hits 30+/100/.305+ hitter, year after year. I’m interested how his numbers will improve with Prince Fielder hitting around him. There isn’t much more room to improve, but he should see better pitches.

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2014 MLB Team Preview: Baltimore Orioles

It must be difficult being an AL East team not in Boston or New York. Baltimore have tried to build through the draft and sign cheap veterans to add depth, but they can barely hang with the pack. They were hoping to build off their 2012 Wild Card berth and compete for the division, but the Red Sox and Rays were the cream of the division.

2013 wasn’t completely forgettable. Chris Davis became one of the best power hitters in the game and Manny Machado showed why he was one of the top prospects in the game.

Boston and New York rearranged some of their pieces this offseason. If they get off to a slow start, can Baltimore build an early lead in the AL East?

Here is the 2014 MLB season preview for the Baltimore Orioles.

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2013 MLB Team Preview: Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles had a Cinderella season last year. They came into the year with unproven talent mixed with a handful of veterans who were expected to just fill out the roster. They took advantage of a down year for the Red Sox and had many lucky bounces along the way.

Their #1 prospect infielder Manny Machado was added last season and contributed right away. I expect him to take another jump in 2013. He will be a nice complement to Adam Jones in the lineup for the foreseeable future.

Will any of their young arms mature enough to make an impact in the Majors?

Can the Orioles shock everybody again and make the playoffs for a second year in a row?

Here is the 2013 MLB season preview for the Baltimore Orioles. Continue reading →