Manny Machado is Baseball’s Next Great Position Player

Have you watched Manny Machado play yet?  He's a five-tool player.  He's only 20. He's fundamentally sound.  He makes those things ESPN calls "Web Gems" a couple times a week.  He's the third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles.  He's baseball's next big thing.

Last year we had Bryce Harper and Mike Trout, who arrived on baseball's big stage and captivated us all year.  Going into 2013, the question was, Who will be this year's Harper or Trout?  We may have our answer in Machado, just in a smaller sample size.  Machado came on the scene last year and played 51 games with 7 home runs and 51 RBI.  But he was buried behind the two studs.  It was hard to even know he was with the Orioles because Trout and Harper were so good.

Machado needs to get his batting average up a little bit and provide more consistent offense to be compared to the other two.  But if you are a baseball fan, you must understand and appreciate his defense and sound baseball IQ.  Those things count too, and Machado has a high level of both, which make a difference in ballgames during a 162-game schedule.

Manny Machado is just 20.  But don't wait until July 6 when he turns 21 to watch him play.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike", 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.