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Baltimore Orioles: Five players who could transition to the gridiron

By Kristen Bentley

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: The Baltimore Orioles mascot waves the American Flag during the seventh inning stretch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: The Baltimore Orioles mascot waves the American Flag during the seventh inning stretch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Orioles
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 27: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles throws to first base in the fifth inning to retire Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

This job is reserved for the guy with the cannon for an arm: Manny Machado. According to Baseball Reference, Machado stands 6’3 and weighs 185 pounds. I think the height is accurate, but he looks like he’s packed on some muscle since that number was added to the website.

Machado has more than proven he could launch a football with accuracy. The kid has gunned baseballs from third to first from his back and his knees. He has also done it while being completely in the air.

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Machado could take quarterbacking to a new level with his ability to throw a ball with pinpoint precision. While he can also catch a ball that most professional athletes cannot, it’s his throwing that would make him a star as a quarterback.

Machado also has a bit of speed and his nine stolen bases in 2017 prove it. He’s got the range and footwork that could help him get away from tackles.

Gemma Kaneko at Cut4 with MLB.com got her hands on Machado’s high school scouting report. The scouts thought that Machado had long legs, arm strength, and aggressiveness. These are all assets for a baseball player and for a quarterback. Machado has the drive to win, which is what every good quarterback needs.

Remember that Tom Brady was drafted to be a baseball player in 1995 by the Montreal Expos before he went to the University of Michigan. Imagine if Brady took that opportunity instead.

Next: Mancini recognized as a top left fielder for 2018

Machado clearly has a solid understanding of baseball and he continues to improve his game. He could certainly take that knowledge to the game of football and dominate from the QB position. As a baseball fan, I’m glad he picked the best game in the world.

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