Anderson Machado Stats & Scouting Report

AB	68
AVG	.221
OBP	.333
SLG	.324
HR	0

Full name Anderson Javier Machado
Born 01/25/1981 in Caracas, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 189 / Bats: S / Throws: R
School Liceo De Aplicacion
Debut 09/27/2003

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Machado came from Philadelphia in a trade-deadline deal for Todd Jones last July. He had been the Phillies' top middle-infield prospect, and they had been patient with him. He has been known for his glove, which got him to the big leagues in September with Cincinnati. He's a premium defender with soft hands, plus range and good arm strength. Offensively, Machado has tried different swings and approaches, to the same frustrating effect. His best offensive trait is he's patient and willing to take a walk, but he has dangerous power--just enough to think he can hit home runs. He's also an above-average runner. Machado was playing winter ball in his native Venezuela, tuning up for a shot at the Reds' shortstop job, when he injured his left knee. It took him a month to get a visa so he could come to the United States and have his knee examined. He didn't tear his anterior-cruciate ligament, as had been feared, but needed arthroscopic surgery and won't be ready for the start of the season.
After hitting .251-12-77 in 2002, Machado looked ready to head to Triple-A. But the Phillies sent him back to Reading and his 2003 season didn't go as planned. Machado was beset by personal and family problems that led to a deep slump at the plate and culminated with a monthlong hiatus in Venezuela. After the dreadful season ended, Machado headed to instructional league and spent a week with hitting instructor Don Long reworking his swing before going to winter ball. He changed his set-up at the plate, which had created a loop in his swing, and worked to remove an uppercut from his stroke. That adjustment would allow him to hit more grounders and make better use of his above-average speed. While Machado always had nice pop for his size, he must focus on working counts and playing small ball. Defensively, he's without parallel in the system and could serve as a first-division shortstop immediately. He has above-average hands, range and arm strength. He committed 26 errors last year, but organization officials attribute those to his wide range and youth. He'll finally get that trip to Scranton this year, which should determine if he's an everyday major leaguer, utility player or slick-fielding shortstop without an offensive game.
Machado's defense has always been first-rate, as he has drawn Dave Concepcion comparisons for his build and actions. The Phillies have waited patiently for his bat to develop, and they were rewarded with his best offensive season in 2002. He has been among the youngest regulars in his league for the last three years. Machado has the hands, arm, range and instincts to play shortstop in the majors right now. He reads the ball off the bat well. His 28 errors last year caused little concern because most were the result of his aggressive nature and confidence in his arm. Machado's best offensive tool is plus-plus speed that he easily translates into steals. He also showed improved plate discipline and power in 2002. Machado has to prove that his offensive performance wasn't a fluke. His swing mechanics are fine, but he needs to add strength to increase his bat speed and drive balls more often. With Jimmy Rollins in place, the Phillies have no need to rush Machado. He'll spend 2003 in Triple-A. He could be the second baseman of the future if Chase Utley can't move back there.
Machado returned to Clearwater in 2001 and still was one of the youngest everyday players in the Florida State League. He was named the circuit's top defensive shortstop for the second straight year. Machado's slick glovework has landed him in the Double-A playoffs in the last two seasons as a teenager. Machado cut his errors from 43 in 2000 to 25 in 2001. He has a knack for making tough plays in the hole and is close to major league-ready on defense with a strong arm, quick feet, soft hands and body control. He has excellent speed, running the 60-yard dash in 6.6 seconds. Machado can drive the ball to the opposite field from the left side, but he doesn't have any power in his frail frame. He strikes out much too often. He also suffers through momentary concentration lapses in the field, a product of his youth. After looking overmatched in Reading, Machado headed to Venezuela for the winter. With Jimmy Rollins at shortstop, the Phillies don't need to rush Machado. They have depth at the position but plan to keep him at short for now.
Signed just days before his 17th birthday, Machado did little offensively during his first two years that would merit a promotion all the way to the Florida State League last season. But not only did he hold his own as one of the FSL's youngest everyday players, he started for Double-A Reading in the Eastern League playoffs. Machado has drawn comparisons to countryman Dave Concepcion for his smooth actions, cannon arm and flashy range. Despite committing 43 errors, managers ranked him the FSL's best defensive shortstop as a teenager. The Phillies applaud his instincts. But he hasn't shown proficiency from either side of the plate and has struggled to make consistent contact. Power is the one tool he'll never have, but Machado should have more success ripping balls into the gaps as he matures physically. His speed is raw, as he was caught stealing 18 times in 2000. With Jimmy Rollins set to take over in Philadelphia, there's no need to continue rushing Machado through the system. He'll be able to develop at a more natural pace, starting back at Reading.

Minor League Top Prospects

The FSL showcased a plethora of slick-fielding shortstops in 2001, including Phillips, St. Lucie's Chris Basak, Sarasota's Freddy Sanchez, Brevard County's Luis Ugueto, Jupiter's Wilson Valdez and Charlotte's Brandon Warriax. None of them received more acclaim for their deft glovework than Machado. Despite making his second trip to Clearwater, Machado was still among the FSL's youngest regulars, and he again earned the title of best defensive shortstop. In addition to his strong arm, he showed soft hands and outstanding range. "Defensively, he could go right now in the big leagues," Pevey said. "He wore this league out." While managers talk glove first when it comes to Machado, he showed marked improvement at the plate after hitting .245-1-35 in 2000. However, he did struggle again after a July promotion to Double-A, and one FSL manager questioned Machado's future power potential and his offense in general.