Manny Machado Clarifies/Apologizes For His Hustle Comments To Basically Get Back On Hal Steinbrenner's Good Side

Johnny Hustle has been quite the topic of discussion this offseason since Manny dropped that quote to Rosenthal during his postseason run with the Dodgers. It’s certainly caused many to be disgusted with him and not want anything to do with him in free agency. Well, it’s late November and things are starting to heat up. Manny had to do something to help repair him image and he did that today in an interview with Mark Feinsand on MLB.com

“When I was asked that question, I was definitely on the defensive, and I was wrong to answer it the way that I did, because looking back, it doesn’t come across how I meant it,” Machado said. “For me, I was trying to talk about how I’m not the guy who is eye wash. There’s a difference between fake hustle for show and being someone who tries hard to win. I’ve always been the guy who does whatever he can to win for his team.

“But I know how I said it and how that came across, and it’s something I take responsibility for. I look forward to talking with each GM and owner that we meet with about that, or any other questions they have.” 

Well it appears Manny’s agent and PR team started doing their job finally. Does it change much? Probably not. If you hated Manny before, you’re still going to hate him today. If you were willing to see past those comments and realize the talent he possesses, then you still like him. I’ve been on the latter end of that debate and really want Manny in pinstripes, as I’ve stated in several blogs already. I know he wants to be in New York and wants to beat Boston badly. Sign me the fuck up. He’s a guy that changes lineups and is a gigantic impact player. His glove is spectacular at third and improving at short. A-Rod, his mentor, backs him 100% and says the shit that happened in October that the media blew up isn’t the real Manny. He said anyone that gets him is getting a bonafide game-changer and someone who wants to win. I trust post-playing days A-Rod. Red Sox fans, Mets fan, any fans hate him and I love that. Give me a villain. Get Manny to New York and let’s go win a World Series, or five.