![Lin] Poway High's Connor Joe is close to a deal with the Padres, per sources. : r/Padres](https://i0.wp.com/preview.redd.it/lin-poway-highs-connor-joe-is-close-to-a-deal-with-the-v0-zg4idsj9kshe1.jpeg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Padres’ Manny Machado not concerned with Doc’s antics
PEORIA, Ariz. — They say all is fair in love and war, and Manny Machado seems like he’d include baseball in that adage.
The Padres’ 32-year-old third baseman was the target of a tactic that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has said was aimed at getting the focus off his team last fall in the NL Division Series.
“It is what it is,” Machado said. “He’s doing what he’s doing for his team, and we’re gonna do whatever what we gotta do for our team. Whatever that was, it was. We’re gonna go out there and continue to compete and be competitors.”
To recap, the Dodgers had lost momentum in a Game 2 loss to the Padres in the NLDS when Roberts came to the podium during the off-day workout looking to draw attention to a ball that Machado tossed in the direction of the Dodgers dugout. Machado and Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty had already exchanged words the previous half-inning. A day later, Roberts said he thought there was “intent behind” the throw.
He added: “And that was very bothersome. If it was intended at me, I would very — it’s pretty disrespectful.”
Machado played for Roberts after he was traded from the Orioles to the Dodgers at the July 2018 deadline. After beating the Padres in Game 5 to advance to the NLCS, Roberts admitted that leaning into the Machado narrative was a diversionary tactic.
“Manny and I have a good relationship,” Roberts told The Athletic in October. “I would take him any day. But I don’t think that diversion was a bad thing for our guys. And they responded by having my back.”
Earlier this week, Roberts said he had not spoken to Machado about the tactic but that he would certainly say “hello” to him in spring training. The Padres play the Dodgers on Sunday at Camelback Ranch, though Machado and most of the team’s other regulars are not expected to make the trip.
“You’re in an intense series,” Roberts said this week. “He’s going to do whatever he can to do to help his team win, and I’m going to do the same. I love him like a son, and that’ll never change, but we’re both competitors.”
Asked about Roberts’ explanation of those events as he reported to camp on Monday, Machado said: “The past is the past. I’m looking forward to going out there and competing again this year and trying to take them down. We’re ready. We’re going to go and compete and do our best to possibly bring a title to San Diego.”
