Manny Machado greeted by media horde in Chicago

CHICAGO - "Welcome to Chicago," said a local reporter to Orioles shortstop Manny Machado this afternoon. As Machado walked outside the clubhouse and into a hallway, he saw a group of more than 20 reporters waiting for him.

It was time for another round of questions about rumors and where he might play next year - or even later this year. He faced just a few reporters when the Orioles were in Anaheim. He faced a few dozen today.

Machado was asked how he handles the rumors that he could be traded to a team like the Chicago Cubs. How does he keep it from being a distraction for the Orioles?

"Like I've said before, I'm here to play baseball," Machado said. "Obviously, you have to answer these questions. But at the end of the day, all that matters is winning games for your ballclub. That is what I'm here to do. Go play and win some games, and at the end of the day, that is all that counts. If I wasn't playing well, they wouldn't be talking about it."

He is certainly playing well, batting .343 with 13 doubles, 14 homers, 42 RBIs and a 1.070 OPS. He is tied for second in the American League in batting, tied for third in homers and leads the league in RBIs.

He was asked about rumors the Cubs might pursue him.

"You know what? It is out of my hands. I can't control that," Machado said. "Just try to go out there and win games and do as much as I can for my ballclub. I don't get distracted by any of this. All these talks, rumors, at the end of the day, I have to go out there and perform. We are trying to make a push for things and we're a little behind, but we have to keep pushing forward."

But it is flattering to be wanted by other teams, he said.

"Always. When your name is being talked about, it is always great," he said. "I've heard nothing but great things from everyone and it is always appreciated. Just have to keep doing the things I love and everything will take care of itself."

Machado was asked about keeping his situation from becoming a distraction for the Orioles

"You know what? Everybody knows the situation and everything that is going on," he said. "Like I tell everybody, we have to go out there and win games. Forget about the future and live in the moment."

Reporters and Machado himself noted that his cousin, Albert Almora Jr., is the Cubs' center fielder. He was asked if Almora has told him about the Cubs.

"We haven't really talked about any of that," Machado said. "He loves the team and he got a ring before I did. That's about it. As kids growing up, we played together and when we were playing in his backyard growing up we dreamed about playing together someday in the big leagues. Be on the same field and win a World Series together. That is every kid's dream."

Machado was even asked today for his impression of Chicago as a city.

"To be honest, nothing," he said. "I go from my room to the ballpark and play baseball. I keep my life simple. Just come here and play."

He said he is not thinking about the future right now. More about this present situation, which includes him having a monster season, but for a team that is 14-32.

"It's the worst," he said. "I know we are better that we've been playing. We all know it in there. We just have to stay positive like we have been."