As I write this on Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 around 7 p.m. EST, Manny Machado is still an Oriole. Soon, he will not be. It did not have to be this way.
More likely than not, Machado will be joining the Dodgers on their way to a second straight World Series appearance in the hopes that this time they will win it. The Orioles will reportedly be getting back five prospects, headlined by outfielder Yusniel Diaz. It did not have to be this way.
For almost seven seasons, Orioles fans were blessed to watch the best player this franchise has seen since Cal Ripken, Jr.