In a sick twist of fate, it seems like Yonder Alonso and Jon Jay actually convinced Manny Machado to sign with the Padres. All right, maybe convinced is too strong of a word to use, but the two White Sox players certainly didn’t tell Machado anything bad about San Diego.
Sure, Alonso and Jay were acquired because the White Sox think they make the team better in 2019, but their close relationships with Machado were obviously taken into consideration as well. At the end, the Padres were comfortable guaranteeing Machado $300 million and the White Sox weren’t, which made it an easy choice for him.
Machado had his introductory press conference with the Padres on Friday and it didn’t get any easier for White Sox fans to accept what happened.
Machado to Chicago media on White Sox offer: "I wanted to be a Padre. This is where I wanted to be."
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 22, 2019
Sure. He was going to say that about whatever team gave him the biggest contract.
But this one stings. Alonso and Jay were supposed to be recruiting Machado hard to sign with the White Sox, right? They were, but they also talked up San Diego.
Machado said “obviously it would be a dream come true to play with family, but things happen.”
Said Alonso and Jay spoke highly of their experience in San Diego and are very happy for him. They’re still a phone call away and he plans to see them here in Arizona
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 22, 2019
So Jon Jay & Yonder Alonso told Machado San Diego was better (Basically) LMFAO 😂. That's great
— Rusty (@RustyRages) February 22, 2019
Jon Jay and Yonder Alonso recruited Manny Machado for the Padres as White Sox.
— William the Keg Washer (@LybargerBrewery) February 22, 2019
What’s funny is how fans were saying that Alonso and Jay would bring Machado to the White Sox. By Mannys words, they (especially Alonso) did the exact opposite! 😂😂😂 #PadresTwitter
— Oscar Castro (@ocastro03) February 22, 2019
Alonso played four seasons with the Padres and Jay played for them in 2016.
And then the final dunk on the White Sox.
Padres chairman Ron Fowler: ‘We’re a lot happier than the #Whitesox right now.’
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 22, 2019
Throughout the 2018 season, Machado made it clear he wanted to play shortstop, but ultimately he has agreed to play third for the Padres. Why? Well, San Diego has Fernando Tatis Jr., the second ranked prospect in MLB, waiting to take over.
Manny Machado has agreed to play 3B from the start for the padres, which is a treat for all. also leaves SS open for when phenom Fernando Tatis Jr. is ready.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2019
That is the same Fernando Tatis Jr. who the White Sox traded to the Padres in 2016 for James Shields.
During the press conference the White Sox signed starting pitcher Ervin Santana to a minor league deal. He can make $4.33 million if he makes the team.
Ervin Santana will make $4.33 million if he makes ML team.He was a 16 game winner in 2017. This is a good move adding a veteran who can help early and bring back a prospect late in the season.missed most of 2018 with a finger injury.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) February 22, 2019
White Sox Sign Ervin Santana In The Middle Of Manny Machado’s Press Conference
And after the press conference was over the White Sox were mentioned to be in the running for super utility player Marwin Gonzalez.
Marwin Gonzalez has at least the Chisox, Twins and SFGiants as choices. Decision could come soon. @DanHayesMLB 1st mentioned minn.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2019
And then a few minutes later the White Sox were actually out.
Now hearing chisox bowed out of Marwin derby awhile back. Twins and Giants remain among a few teams in.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2019
And then the Twins signed him.
Utilityman Marwin Gonzalez is in agreement with the Minnesota Twins on a two-year, $21 million deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 22, 2019
On Thursday, Bruce Levine reported the White Sox were also out on the Bryce Harper sweepstakes.
The 2019 season isn’t going to be what some White Sox fans thought was coming, but there still is hope for playoff contention in 2020.
It’s definitely a low point, but White Sox fans have plenty to be hopeful for.
