December 20, 2018
UPDATE [4:35 p.m.] — According to reporters down at the ballpark, Machado and the Phillies brass have left the team facility to head out to dinner.
Manny Machado just left Citizens Bank Park after meeting with the Phillies
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 20, 2018
Hear from him on how it went and what he thinks of the team
On @NBCSPhilly 5pm and@NBCPhiladelphia 545pm pic.twitter.com/lXednxJO7C
As for how the meeting went, well, you can hear that from the man himself.
“Pretty awesome” pic.twitter.com/8tpaiV300p
— akleinnn (@akleinnn) December 20, 2018
And when asked about his timeline for deciding where he's signing his next contract...
Manny Machado just left Citizens Bank Park. How was the visit? “Pretty awesome. I learned a lot about the organization.” Timetable to sign? “I don’t know about that. That’s my agent’s job. I’m just enjoying the ride.”
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) December 20, 2018
It doesn't seem like this is going to end any time soon, as MannyWatch 2018 could turn into MannyWatch 2019 before the free agent shortstop picks his next employer.
UPDATE [3:25 p.m.] — We've got more details on Manny Machado's visit with the Phillies, including the fact that it won't end at Citizens Bank Park, but rather at a fancy dinner. [Any guesses where they're going?]
Here's more from Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia:
Machado was to spend several hours visiting with Phillies officials. He and his wife, Yainee, were to have lunch in a suite overlooking the field and Machado's image on Phanavision. A tour of the clubhouse and other ballpark facilities was planned. The Phillies' welcoming party included Klentak, Kapler, managing partner John Middleton, club president Andy MacPhail, assistant general manager Ned Rice, hitting coach John Mallee and bench coach Rob Thomson. Surely, there would be a give and take, with Machado asking questions about the team's direction and team officials asking about the controversial "Johnny Hustle" comments that he made in October.
Dinner, at an undisclosed location, was planned in the evening and Machado is scheduled to return home to Miami on Friday morning. [nbcsports.com]
After Machado previously met with the White Sox and Yankees, it appears the Phillies are getting the final chance to leave a lasting impression on one of this winter's biggest free agents.
UPDATE [3:05 p.m.] — According to a report, the Phillies have indeed agree to terms with a veteran free agent. Unfortunately, it's assuredly not the player fans were hoping the team would be signing on Thursday.
Phillies To Sign Shane Robinson https://t.co/044zM0m5eu pic.twitter.com/wPFMVPt6dT
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 20, 2018
Here's more on Shane Robinson, who agreed to a minor-league deal with the Phils, from MLB Trade Rumors:
Robinson, 34, has appeared in nine MLB campaigns, though he has never yet reached 200 plate appearances in a single season. In total, he carries a modest .221/.288/.292 slash over 849 plate appearances.
Clearly, that’s not going to get the job done, but Robinson has nevertheless found opportunity owing to his well-regarded work in the field and on the bases. It’s fair to note, too, that he has at least shown himself to a be a competent batsman at the Triple-A level, where he owns a .279/.336/.382 line in parts of nine seasons of work. [mlbtraderumors.com]
As for Machado, he's still meeting with the Phillies...
UPDATE [12:15 p.m.] — Manny Machado has arrived in Philadelphia.
The free agent infielder and his team were greeted at the doors to Citizens Bank Park by a smiling Matt Klentak and Gabe Kapler.
Manny Machado has arrived pic.twitter.com/Re7d7L6nDx
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) December 20, 2018
And, of course, a random construction worker reminding Machado who won the last Super Bowl...
Here is Manny Machado Arriving in Philly and at Citizens Bank Park to meet with the Phillies!!!! @6abc #MannyMachado#Philliespic.twitter.com/t0fdyX8uFP
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) December 20, 2018
...before offering up a bit of advice.
At 12:14 p.m., Manny Machado walked into Citizens Bank Park. A construction worker yelled, “Get that money!”
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) December 20, 2018
Ready or not, but the Manny Machado Magical Mystery Tour is making its way to Philadelphia on Thursday as one of the two prize free agents of the MLB offseason (along with Bryce Harper) will be paying a visit to the Phillies, one day after being wined and dined in Manhattan by the New York Yankees.
Yankees contingent dined with Manny Machado, his wife and agent tonight in Manhattan. Yanks are interested and in the game, along with Chisox and Phillies. Tour was believed to be those 3 teams, no mysteries.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 20, 2018
It wasn't all that long ago when the Phillies decided to get in a bidding war with the Yankees over a star free agent, and — in what seemed like a first at the time — actually beat out the mighty Yanks to land Cliff Lee. You remember "Merry Cliffmas," right?
Can they do it again and have the whole fanbase screaming "Manny Christmas!?"
Stay tuned for all the latest news and developments right here as we provide you with live updates of Manny Machado Day in Philly.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports
