Manny Machado Clarifies 'Johnny Hustle' Comment
Free-agent shortstop Manny Machado attempted to clarify comments he made about his perceived hustle on the bases, or lack thereof.
During the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Machado was ripped when he did not run out a ground ball to first base.
He later said to The Athletic, "I'm not the type of player that's going to be 'Johnny Hustle' and run down the line and slide to first base."
Machado, who is expected to receive an offer this offseason that will make one baseball's highest paid players, said when he was asked the question about hustle, he got defensive about it.
"When I was asked that question, I was definitely on the defensive, and I was wrong to answer it the way that I did, because looking back, it doesn't come across how I meant it," Machado said to MLB.com. "For me, I was trying to talk about how I'm not the guy who is eye wash. There's a difference between fake hustle for show and being someone who tries hard to win. I've always been the guy who does whatever he can to win for his team.
"But I know how I said it and how that came across, and it's something I take responsibility for. I look forward to talking with each GM and owner that we meet with about that, or any other questions they have."
REITER: Ranking Manny Machado, Bryce Harper and baseball's top free agents
The comment even got the attention of New York Yankees owner Hank Steinbrenner, saying it was "troubling" to hear that from the four–time All–Star.
Machado played the first seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles before he was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers before the trading deadline. He hit .297 with 37 home runs and 107 RBI while playing in 162 games.
The 26–year-old did not say which way he was leaning when it comes to choosing his next destination.
"At the end of the day, I'll consider every situation carefully," Machado said. "There's a lot that goes into my decision. First and foremost, I will think about my family; where they will be comfortable and happy. I definitely want to be in a place where I can win long term and be a part of World Series teams for many years to come. It's way too early to tell what else might play a part, but I'm excited and looking forward to it."
