PHILLIES PHODDER; MACHADO

Manny Machado again dogged-it last night during  Game 3 of the World Series. He failed to run hard after crushing a ball off the left field wall. That lack of hustle..while your team is down, 2-0, in the World Series. This even before some team gives him around $300 million in free agency.

My oldest brother lives in Maryland and commented that Machado was a diva while playing with the Orioles. He didn't always hustle and ultimately decided he no longer wanted to play third base ( where he has excelled), instead preferring to play shortstop  ( where he has not excelled).

I can't ever justify not hustling 100%. It should be a privledge to play major league baseball, plus look a tthe millions ballplayers make. Not hustling in Baltimore is one thing; not hustling in the World Series is another.

So, should the Phillies, once hot after Machado,persue him soon? I hope not, despite the fact he is a hell of a ballplayer. He is telling you that "I'm not Johnny Hustle- it's not my style."

How would the Philly fans react when Machado tanks it?  It could get ugly, especially if  Machado isn't playing well.

I would much rather have outfielder Bryce Harper. the left-handded hitting power outfielder. Harper can be  a diva as well, but he hustles and would team with Hoskins in the middle of the line-up. He is also young, would force Hoskins back to first base ( a good thing), and will also command approxiately $300 million.

We will talk about the Phillies off-season moves soon, both free agency and trades. For now, I'll pass on Manny Machado.