masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgO’s scouting director Joe Jordan said he will not put too much importance into the stats for Manny Machado in his first few games with the Orioles.

The O’s top draft pick went 1 for 7 the last two days for the Gulf Coast League O’s with a two-run homer there on Saturday.

“I just think it’s important to get on the field. Be a part of our practice routine, our hitting routine and progression. Being around the instructors and coordinaters. There is an orientation that needs to take place…O’s scouting director Joe Jordan said he will not put too much importance into the stats for Manny Machado in his first few games with the Orioles.

The O’s top draft pick went 1 for 7 the last two days for the Gulf Coast League O’s with a two-run homer there on Saturday.

“I just think it’s important to get on the field. Be a part of our practice routine, our hitting routine and progression. Being around the instructors and coordinaters. There is an orientation that needs to take place and it’s important to get that out of the way,” Jordan said of Machado.

“Once that first year rolls around and it’s time for spring training, he’ll have the winter to absorb it and it won’t be new next year in spring training.

“For me that’s the only thing that’s important right now. I don’t have any goals for him on the performance side. I just want him on the field to play and be around the rest of the players and coaches.

“He’s just one of the guys now. Obviously he’s a first-round pick from this year, but I think those are the things that need to happen and that’s all that is important to me.”

Machado is joining Aberdeen today and will work out with the club today but not play in the game. He is expected to start at shortstop Monday night at 7:05 p.m. when the IronBirds host Vermont.