It was an expansive Manny Machado who talked with the Baltimore media. He finds it hard to believe that he’s now in his seventh spring training with the Orioles, and still only 24 years old.
Machado has to get serious about his preparation this year much earlier than he has in previous spring training camps. The Orioles begin Grapefruit League play on Feb. 24, and just 11 days later, he’ll face the Orioles when he plays shortstop for the Dominican Republic’s entry in the World Baseball Classic.
"Obviously, these games are a little more important. I've got to get ready a little quicker and mentally, too. Physically, just getting ready for baseball, just like I would any other year. Once the games starts, I'll probably put a little more intensity into it...the first couple games trying to ease my way into it," Machado said.
