Scouted:
Team
USA 18U Trials (Cary, N.C.), September 14, 2009 (film)
East
Coast Pro Showcase (Lakeland, Fla), August 1-4, 2009 (in attendance)
USA Baseball’s Tournament of Stars (Cary, N.C.), June 22-29, 2009 (in attendance)
Frame:
Machado has a long and lanky build
that bears 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.
Swing:
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.
Defense:
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 average 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.
Jesse's Notes:
Machado has the tool set to become an offensive-minded shortstop. Even if he adds too much
bulk to field his position adequately, he should hit enough to justify a move to third base, where his soft hands and strong
throwing arm would make him a well above-average defender. 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.
Projected Position: SS/3B
Suggested Draft Slot: Mid- to Supplemental-1st Round
Updates:
11/25/2009 -- WWBA World Championship, October 25, 2009 (Jupiter,
Fla.) (Nick James in attendance) -- Machado showed clean actions and an above-average to plus arm in the field. Range could
hamper ability to stick at SS. Solid command of strike zone at the plate.
11/25/2009 -- Perfect Game National
Showcase, June 11-14, 2009 (Nick James film review) -- Good leverage in swing and potential for power down the line. Swing
plane currently better suited to linedrives than homeruns. In the field, good footwork, soft hands and quick arm action. Generally
clean; frame could eventually force a shift to 3B (range) as he fills-in.
Videos:
