The worst-case scenario is the one that occurred. Disregard what anybody has said that may suggest otherwise. Farhan Zaidi. John Middleton. Manny Machado himself.
The Phillies’ blueprint must be grounded in reality, and the reality is this: An organization like the Dodgers does not acquire a once-in-a-generation player at the age of 26 with the thought of letting him leave. Machado’s contract might say that he is only their property for the next three months, but it’s Don Henley’s words that are closer to the truth. Sure, he can check out any time that he wants. But can he really leave?