Scouting Notebook: Manny Machado

November 25, 10:44 PMMLB Draft ExaminerJesse Burkhart

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Manny Machado is the top prep position player in
this year's draft class.
pnrscouting.com

Manny Machado | SS | Brito HS, Miami, Fla.
Ht, Wt: 6-2, 180 | B-T: R-R | Born: 07.06.92

Seen:
- USA Baseball’s Tournament of Stars (Cary, N.C.), June 22-29, 2009 (in attendance)
- East Coast Professional Showcase (Lakeland, Fla.), August 1-4, 2009 (in attendance)
- Team USA 18U Trials (Cary, N.C.), September 14, 2009 (film)

After an impressive showing on the summer showcase circuit, Manny Machado established himself as the top prep position player in the class entering the spring.  Machado has a long and lanky build, bearing a physical resemblance to Astros 2008 first-round pick Jiovanni Mier.  Like Mier, Machado is athletic and graceful, giving him a chance to stay at shortstop as he adds strength and bulk.  Machado has a natural aptitude for hitting, employing an open stance and a controlled weight shift.  He begins his swing with a wrap, but has the bat speed, balance through contact and level swing path to consistently produce line drives to all fields.  He could hit for above-average power once he fills out his lean frame.

Machado is a solid bet to remain at his position in pro ball because of his fluid actions and sure glove.  An average runner who should add weight, Machado projects to have just adequate range at shortstop, but his long legs, smooth footwork and advanced defensive instincts help him compensate for a lack of lateral quickness.  Although he will occasionally field the ball too deeply, he has a strong throwing arm that would play at either position on the left side of the infield should a move to third base be required.

Machado has the tool set to become an offensive-minded shortstop.  Even if he adds too much bulk to field his position sufficiently, he should hit enough to justify a move to third base, where his soft hands and strong arm would make him a well above-average defender there.  Machado’s bat-to-ball ability and patience at the plate should allow him to hit for the average and power that major-league managers would expect out of their two-hole hitter.

                                                                                                                                                                              Present / Future Grades:

High School Rank: 4 | Overall Rank: TBD

A similar version of this scouting report also appears here on pnrscouting.com.