Yankees reportedly will meet with Machado

LAS VEGAS -- Aaron Judge created a stir this past spring when he told Manny Machado that he would "look good in pinstripes." The Yankees' decision-makers are about to have an opportunity to relay that sentiment to the slugger's face.
Machado is scheduled to meet with several Major League clubs in the near future, including the Yankees, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
The Phillies and White Sox are also among the other suitors planning to chat with the 26-year-old Machado, who hit .297 with a .905 OPS, 37 homers and 107 RBIs in 162 games for the Orioles and Dodgers this past season.

General manager Brian Cashman said that he has spoken several times with Machado's agent, Dan Lozano, though he would not divulge if they planned to meet during the Winter Meetings.
Machado would fill an area of need for the Yankees, who are seeking infield help with Didi Gregorius sidelined following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. New York is also in the market for starting pitching and bullpen depth.
When the Yankees speak with Machado, the comments that he made during this past postseason will be addressed. During the Dodgers' National League Championship Series against the Brewers, Machado memorably said that he was "not the type of player that's going to be Johnny Hustle."
He also drew criticism for a pair of baserunning plays at first base, one of which resulted in a fine, and questionable slides into second base.

"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 told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. "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."
Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner recently said that he found Machado's remarks to be "troubling," and that he would need an explanation before extending a significant contract offer -- particularly considering that Machado's asking price could exceed $300 million.
"If it's a $300 million guy or a $10 million guy, clearly those comments are troubling," Steinbrenner said. "If we're interested in any player, we sit down with him face to face and ask him, 'Where did this come from? What was the context around the entire interview? Was there a point you were trying to [make]? How do you justify it?' Because that ain't going to sell where we play baseball. That conversation will happen, no matter who it is."
Cashman recently told the YES Network that Machado's remarks would be vetted, but that he believed the conversation surrounding them has been overblown.
"I certainly think the narrative has been banged enough this winter since the postseason," Cashman said. "I don't want it to become a runaway train. Regardless of wherever Manny Machado winds up, he's a great player. He's been an elite player for a long time. He is a special, talented player.
"When you're playing in this game for as long as he has so far, especially on the larger stage and dealing with media, I think you're permitted to have some mistakes here and there. It's no different than making a key error in a game. … I'm sure that wasn't his best moment, but it doesn't mean it's the moment that should define him, either."