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Atlanta Braves Should Steer Clear of Signing Manny Machado

By Kit Anderson

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 09: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles can not get a ball hit by Miguel Andujar #41 (not pictured) of the New York Yankees in the ninth inning during a game one of a doubleheader baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 09: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles can not get a ball hit by Miguel Andujar #41 (not pictured) of the New York Yankees in the ninth inning during a game one of a doubleheader baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves could choose to target this off-season’s top free agents. One exception should be Manny Machado, a proven distraction and borderline dirty player.

Manny Machado and the Atlanta Braves would appear to be a perfect fit on paper. The Braves have questioned both shortstop and third base, and Manny Machado is one of the best there is at either position.

Machado is a great hitter, there is nothing to dispute that fact. His career .282 average or the fact he has collected over 1,000 hits at age 26 demonstrates that fact.

His talent, position, and the Braves having money to spend would seemingly make him the perfect target.

Nothing could be further from the truth, after watching this postseason closely. Machado had a clearly dirty play in the NLCS. It wasn’t his first dust-up, he has proven to be a centerpiece for controversy and bench-clearing incidents.

The problems for Manny don’t stop there. He has more than once been caught dogging it down the first base line or on defense. While it is understandable not to hustle out every play in a very long and grueling season, Machado’s lack of hustle is more than concerning.

He is consistently caught dogging plays he gives up on, a fact that will frustrate whichever team chooses to sign him. For Atlanta, it shouldn’t be a consideration despite his talent.

One thing more important then talent is team cohesion and a togetherness in the clubhouse. Manny would likely hurt the Braves chemistry and frustrate Braves fans to no end despite his gaudy numbers.

Sticking with Johan Camargo and Dansby Swanson is the best plan of action for a team who is coming off of a division winning season. The Braves should improve their team elsewhere avoiding the headache that is Manny Machado.

Next. Falcons Trade Deadline Review. dark

The Braves off-season is officially underway as they are given the rest of the week to negotiate with their own free agents. More to come as Braves off-season rumors begin.

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