Alejandro Machado

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #21 prospect in 2005
  Machado's career was sputtering before the Expos acquired him from Milwaukee last March. The Brewers designated him for assignment after he hit .226 for them in Double-A. Capable of playing either middle-infield position, Machado impressed his latest organization both offensively and defensively. He's fluid and consistent at second base, where he made just four errors in 85 games last year. He has the range to play shortstop, and his arm is adequate there despite his unconventional arm angle. Machado's reactions are terrific both in the field and at the plate, where he's a switch-hitter who makes contact, draws walks, bunts well and sprays the ball to all fields. His speed is average and he enhances it with his intelligence on the bases. But Machado has almost no pop, and he has had a tendency to start hot at the plate and have difficulty sustaining it. At 22, he'll likely begin 2005 in Double-A and could get a September callup. His ceiling is as a second baseman who could bat No. 2 in an order, but a more realistic expectation would be for him to become a utilityman.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #14 prospect in 2003
  The Royals got Machado from the Braves for Rey Sanchez, and he projects as a similar middle infielder. Machado's average arm may relegate him to second base, especially in an organization with strong-armed and slick-fielding Angel Berroa and Andres Blanco already at shortstop. Even so, Machado's hands and range allow him to play a smooth second base, with the exception of being a little rough around the bag when turning the double play. Despite missing time with a groin pull, he made great strides at the plate in high Class A, batting .366 in the final three months to finish third in the Carolina League batting race. Machado is a spray hitter who rarely drives the ball, but he can handle the bat well and should hit for average. His ability to bunt and hit-and-run makes him a prime candidate for a No. 2 hitter if he can learn to draw more walks. His speed is a tick above average at best, so he won't be a huge basestealing threat at the upper levels. He should take a step up to Double-A in 2003 and could be in Kansas City by 2004.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #29 prospect in 2002
  Machado had moved from shortstop to second base with the Braves, then shifted back after coming to the Royals in the Rey Sanchez trade last summer. His arm is just average for shortstop, but his range, soft hands and instincts may allow him to remain there. He made just eight errors in 110 games between second and short in 2001. As good as he is defensively, Machado is going to have to show a lot more offensively to reach the majors. He has good speed but doesn't get on base enough or know how to use it well once he does. He's a slap hitter who needs to get stronger and improve his bunting ability. He's not adverse to drawing a walk, though he could make more consistent contact. Machado will play in high Class A in 2002.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #26 prospect in 2001
  Machado was a solid shortstop prior to making the move to second base. His hands are softer and his arm is stronger than most players employed at the keystone sack. He also displays impressive instincts and has a knack for positioning himself at the right spot in order to make plays. Machado has the speed to hit leadoff and to steal some bases. A slasher with the bat, he makes good contact and doesn't try to do more than his physical limitations allow. One scout said Machado has all the makings of developing into a complete player should he continue to make the same type of improvements he's made in the past year. He needs to get stronger in order to handle the physical stress of playing every day for a full season. Improved bunting ability would allow him to get on base more often, though he does have a fine eye for drawing walks. Machado also needs to learn the nuances of stealing bases, especially making the proper reads and getting the necessary leads. He'll continue to work on those skills this year at Macon.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked National League #17 prospect in 2000
  Machado was the key to Danville's offense, leading the league with a .477 on-base percentage. He's got a willingness to walk that is uncommon in young Latin players, and he has the speed to be a threat on the bases. He does not, however, project to hit with any power at all and could become another Luis Castillo. He also showed good hands and some managers thought he was the best defensive second baseman in the league. "He just got on base every time," Dyer said. "He's a good runner. He played good defense. He did it all against us."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Machado was the key to Danville's offense, leading the league with a .477 on-base percentage. He's got a willingness to walk that is uncommon in young Latin players, and he has the speed to be a threat on the bases. He does not, however, project to hit with any power at all and could become another Luis Castillo. He also showed good hands and some managers thought he was the best defensive second baseman in the league. "He just got on base every time," Dyer said. "He's a good runner. He played good defense. He did it all against us."