Machado in Frederick brings back memories of 2011 champs

The last time Manny Machado played in Frederick, he was playing shortstop and Jonathan Schoop was playing second base. That was in September of 2011 when that duo led a team that used strong pitching and defense to win the Carolina League championship. Machado will be back at Harry Grove Stadium tonight for a 7 p.m. game to begin his minor league rehab assignment. After getting over 30 at-bats in Sarasota, Fla., between simulated and extended spring training games, Machado's comeback ramps up a level tonight. There is speculation the O's may feel he can make it back to the big league club as soon as a week from tonight. But the Single-A Keys are certainly thrilled to have Manny for three games over the weekend. Earlier this week, Keys general manager Dave Ziedelis said he expected tonight's game to sell out and it should be quite an atmosphere there tonight. Seeing Machado again in a Keys uniform brings back memories of that 2011 championship team. "It certainly does," Ziedelis said. "That was a great team. Best record in team history. We're fortunate in that in the last nine years, we've won three Carolina League championships. We've had solid success here in Frederick over that time period." The O's will likely have several members of their front office staff at tonight's game. That list is expected to include team vice president Brady Anderson and director of player development Brian Graham. Machado will be playing for the Keys, but no doubt the Orioles will be making every decision about Machado, and how he is used by the team over the weekend on the field, and how things are handled off the field as well. "The Orioles assist quite a bit with these types of things," Ziedelis said. "It helps being close from a logistical standpoint, but they certainly work with us ahead of time and during the process to make it as easy as possible for Manny and our organization and the community. "This is exciting for the Keys and for the Frederick area. It really heightens the interest in us and makes it great for our fanbase to see future and sometimes current stars play here." Machado was promoted late in June of 2011 from Single-A Delmarva to Frederick. In 63 games with the Keys he hit .245 with 12 doubles, five homers, 25 RBIs and a .692 OPS. He did not tear up the league and his slugging percentage with Frederick of .384 was his lowest of any team he played for in the O's minors. But he sure elevated his game in the playoffs. Over nine games he hit .344 with four doubles, a homer, nine RBIs, a .563 slugging percentage and 1.010 OPS. I can remember watching Machado and Schoop turn several highlight-reel type double plays during that postseason run to a championship. Machado began the 2012 season with Double-A Bowie and ended it with Baltimore. After a brief stop again in the minors, it will come full circle again and he'll be back in the orange and black. But no doubt the fans in Frederick will be pretty excited to see Machado playing for their team one more time. Going down memory lane: Click here to read the story from the game the night the Keys won the 2011 league championship at Kinston. Click here to read an interview with the then 19-year Machado from September of that year as he sized up his first full season in pro ball.