Manny Machado is officially very, very good.
The Orioles’ third baseman is making a name for himself after arriving on the scene last year, leading the league in doubles (32) almost halfway through the season despite being just 20 years old. As a result, he’s thoroughly put himself in the discussion with Mike Trout and Bryce Harper as to who’s the best young player in baseball.
Apparently, Machado’s prolific talent is also driving opposing managers to the bottle. Not that Jim Leyland necessarily needs any coercing.
On Monday, Baltimore and Detroit began a three game set, and before the game the Tigers’ manager was asked about Machado. His response was probably the best quote you’ll hear all year in Major League Baseball, according to Jon Morosi.
“Machado leads the league in doubles,” said Leyland. “I’m second in doubles — double vodkas, double scotches.”
No word on whether or not Leyland has a private stash at Comerica Park, but it would make sense. Back in 2010, Leyland was banned from smoking at the ballpark due to a new Michigan law that went into effect. Hey, you’ve got to have at least one vice, right?
