Report: Machado is Still Phillies “Top Target”

Many words have been used to describe a potential Phillies pursuit for Orioles shortstop Manny Machado lately.  Words such as "unlikely", "longshots" or ' too expensive" have been common in connecting the Phillies and the slugger.   One report said that the Phillies have "moved on" from the Orioles in their pursuit.  But the latest report seems to suggest that the Phillies are still interested.

Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reports that Machado remains the "top target" of the Phillies:

Eduardo Encina from the Baltimore Sun said that the Phillies  and six other teams have made an offer for Machado.

While the Phillies plan to spend big this offseason, another team acquiring Machado would have a negotiating window that other teams have to sign the free-agent-to-be.  An acquiring team leaving Machado a good impression and willing to pay whatever he costs to sign may leave the Phillies without a chance to sign him.  Machado would fit nicely into the Phillies starting lineup, which could use a consistent offensive boost.

The non-waiver trade deadline is three weeks from today, but Baltimore has been said to be moving closer to a deal in recent days.  Other teams known to be interested include the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Chicago Cubs, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians.   Encina's report says that the offers are "ve