Manny Unhappy Returns

The Los Angeles Dodgers gave up a staggering 5 prospects for a 3-month rental of superstar shortstop Manny Machado, a clear indication the Dodgers are going all-in to win their first World Series since 1988.

Machado becomes a free agent after the season. Maybe the Dodgers are hoping a deep playoff run will help Machado decide to stay in Los Angeles.

I think my head would have exploded if the Orioles accepted 5 top Phillies prospects for a Machado rental. This rebuild, which is way ahead of schedule with the Phils in first place this season, has been all about restocking the farm system. But with Machado's free agency looming, there's no way I'd give up that much for a 3-month rental. Seems like the Orioles got the best possible deal, and I applaud them for that.

Look for Phils owner John Middleton and GM Matt Klentak to pursue Machado with wheelbarrows full of cash this fall. They'll chase him all over the country to get him. The Phils have money to spend. How much? They have just $68.9 million in payroll committed for 2019.

And don't forget about Mike Trout. Did you see his interview from the field at the All-Star Game that he ended with "Go Eagles"? The South Jersey native is a Philadelphia fan through and through and was at CBP as a fan for the 2008 World Series. If the Angels keep being the Angels, and there's no indication that's going to change, Trout might (hey, wishful thinking, but it could happen) ask for a trade to the city he loves, the city whose team's he grew up watching. Trout is signed through the end of the 2020 season. If he said he wants to be traded and only wants to go to the up-and-coming Phillies, I'd drive to the airport and deliver him to CBP myself. But when he hits free agency, he's likely to command more than $500 million. And for the best player in a generation, pay the man.

And speaking of free agents, I just want to reiterate a firm "NO" over Bryce Harper. He's overrated, overhyped, and having a lousy year. And he's been doing stuff like not running out ground balls. The only thing I ever saw him do that I liked is when he choked Jonathan Pappelbon in the dugout.