masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles third baseman Manny Machado is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. One gift should arrive tonight when he’s chosen as a reserve on the American League All-Star team.
Can he possibly be denied?
Machado is batting .299/.356/.522 with 18 doubles, one triple, 17 home runs, 46 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts heading into tonight’s series opener in Minnesota. Since moving into the leadoff spot, Machado is batting .308/.364/.538 with 14 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs, 34 RBIs, 40…

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. One gift should arrive tonight when he’s chosen as a reserve on the American League All-Star team.

Can he possibly be denied?

Manny Machado high fives gray.jpgMachado is batting .299/.356/.522 with 18 doubles, one triple, 17 home runs, 46 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts heading into tonight’s series opener in Minnesota. Since moving into the leadoff spot, Machado is batting .308/.364/.538 with 14 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs, 34 RBIs, 40 runs, 21 walks and eight stolen bases in 263 plate appearances over 60 games.

According to STATS, Machado ranks in the top three in several offensive categories among Orioles before their 23rd birthday.

Machado is first in hits (425), doubles (91), runs (202) and stolen bases (23), and is third in home runs (50), RBIs (175) and batting average (.283, minimum 500 plate appearances).

Machado also ranks in the top 10 among all major leaguers before their 23rd birthday since his debut in 2012, according to STATS. He’s second in doubles behind the Angels’ Mike Trout (99) and ranks third in hits, home runs, RBIs and runs. He’s also sixth in steals and ninth in average.

Dan Hirsch, creator of TheBaseballGauge.com, provided the following list of “Most WAR by a third baseman through their age 22 season”:

1. Eddie Mathews 18.5
2. Manny Machado 15.0
3. John McGraw 15.0
4. Buddy Lewis 12.6
5. Freddie Lindstrom 12.5