Machado to O's almost definite now

Starting this afternoon at 3:30, I'll be hosting a live radio-type podcast here at MASNSports.com. You can call in then with your comments and questions on the draft at 914-338-0105. I hope to take a lot of your calls beginning today at 3:30pm. Here is the link to listen to the radio show. It now appears just about definite that the Orioles will wind up with high school shortstop Manny Machado with the third pick in tonight's draft. ESPN's Buster Olney reported earlier today that the Pirates have settled on selecting pitcher Jameson Taillon with the second pick, leaving the O's to take Machado third. A source indicates the Orioles believe that report to be accurate and they do feel Pittsburgh wiill take Taillon. Taillon was believed to be the Orioles first choice, but they have also extensively scouted Machado. Earlier it appeared there could be a slight chance that the O's would consider players other than Machado if they lost out on Taillon. The chances of that happening now appear very, very slim. Machado is a 6'2", 180-pound shortstop from Brito High near Miami. He is 17 and just three months older than Bryce Harper, the presumed top pick in the draft. A Scott Boras client, Machado's stats for this season have been listed as a batting average of .639 with 12 homers and 56 RBI in just 86 at bats. He hit .367 last summer for the team USA 18 and under squad that beat Cuba to win the Gold Medal in the Pan American Junior Championships.