Manny, Tatis have heated dugout exchange

When cameras near the dugout caught images and sound of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. arguing loudly Saturday night in St. Louis, the perception outside the team emerged that infighting has infected the Padres as their quest for the postseason hits rocky ground.

The team pushed back on that narrative after their 3-2 loss to Cardinals cost them ground in the National League Wild Card race, saying Machado was showing leadership to a younger player.

The theme of the argument seemed to be that Machado thought Tatis was dwelling too long on being called out on strikes by umpire Phil Cuzzi in the fifth inning. Machado, in the videos, can be heard yelling, “You go play baseball!” and, “It’s not about you!” while he gestured in Tatis’ direction.

“It’s not viewed negatively,” Padres manager Jayce Tingler said. “I’m sure people on the outside think whatever they think, but we’re a family. We’re not going to discuss details, but we care. There’s passion, there’s frustration. Those things are natural, but it comes down to a group of men caring.”

Who will be next MLB player to reach 500 home runs after Miguel Cabrera joins exclusive club?

Bryce Harper
In 10 seasons, the 28-year-old Harper has passed the halfway point. He’s at 255 and counting. He signed with the Phillies through 2031. He’s avoided injury since 2017 and is aging well, as he’s having a star-caliber season in 2021. As I alluded to in Stanton, things can turn quickly and it’s never a “good” bet to say someone will get to 500 home runs when they are this far away. Harper is definitely on pace, though. I’ll say he gets there.

Manny Machado
Machado is a few months older than Harper and is now 29, but they are both in their age-28 seasons (it’s determined with a June 30 cutoff and Machado’s birthday is July 6). Machado is a bit behind Harper at 245 career homers, but if we include Harper here, we have to include Machado with the age and home run totals being so close. Machado is also in his 10th year and is closing in on the halfway point. He’s signed with the Padres through 2028, so it’s possible he won’t have quite as much time.

Manny Machado completed a dangerous and unnecessary slide, and MLB fans were incensed

Manny Machado’s base running is in question, again. The San Diego Padres slugger put an opposing player, Cardinals second baseman Tommy Edman, in harm’s way during a game on Sunday.

With Edman fielding a grounder, he went for a tag on Machado, who was headed to second. After that, Edman likely would’ve gone for the double play with a throw to first. Thing is, Edman couldn’t make the throw because Machado slid into Edman’s legs — in the middle of the base path. At least, Machado checked on Edman afterward.

Is it illegal, by rules? No. Machado can do what he wants within the lines of the base path to avoid getting tagged. Is it unethical and sketchy? Absolutely. If it were any other player, we might not be talking about the play. With Machado having a long history of dangerous and dirty base running, this is yet another mark against his reputation.

Manny Machado in the middle of another “dirty play or not” controversy pic.twitter.com/Nf7SNHwHdf

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 17, 2021