Baltimore Orioles 3-Year Analysis: Position by Position

Aug 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) doubles in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Third Base

The 2013 statistics are pretty much all Manny Machado, whereas he represents one-half of those from 2014. Ryan Flaherty, Chris Davis, Jonathan Schoop and even Jimmy Paredes account for the rest of the most recent numbers.

Batting .278 for the season (after a slow start) with 12 home runs, Machado was on his way to a very good statistical campaign when his knees betrayed him again. Manny was on pace to hit well over 20 home runs.

All Machado needs to have a breakout year and become what he is expected to be is to have his wheels under him. The defense is incomparable, and the hitting is on the cusp of becoming something special.

Just as Machado’s addition to the lineup at the end of 2012 made a huge difference in the Orioles’ performance, so also his return to top form in 2015 could be story #1 as to what leads the Birds to a successful championship campaign.

Looking back rating – “-1” – marginally worse.

Looking ahead rating – “+1” – hopes for marginal improvement.

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