Manny Makes His Decision

After a winter of glacial negotiations -- and that's being kind -- Manny Machado has landed the mega-contract he anticipated. But the location is a big surprise. With unfulfilled expectations of the Yankees making a big bid, the White Sox having imported a pair of his closest friends and the Phillies looking to make a splash, the longtime Orioles standout has chosen... the Padres!

The 10-year, $300-million deal is the largest free agent contract in pro sports history.

He'll join San Diego's pricey free agent from 2018, Eric Hosmer, and a core of highly regarded prospects, on a team eager to end the Dodgers and Giants domination of the NL West. If nothing else,  Manny will make San Diego one of the more interesting teams this season.

Will it work? Are the Padres ready to end a now-13 year post-season draught? Will the native Floridian find satisfaction and success on the West Coast? Stay Tuned.

(My image of Machado is from the Orioles/Yankees game in New York last April 5th.)

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