Manny Machado: 9 MLB Stars the Orioles Prospect Could Eventually Resemble

The 2010 MLB draft was highlighted by three superstar high school prospects who were expected to be selected in the first three picks. The Nationals took Bryce Harper and the Pirates took Jameson Taillon, so shortstop prospect Manny Machado "fell" to the Orioles at No. 3.

The hype on Machado was high, but he, and the other two top picks, has lived up to it and shown the potential to be one of the game's next stars.

Machado began the year at low Single-A Delmarva and dominated the South Atlantic League enough that even after an injury sidelined him for two weeks, he made the South Atlantic All-Star team alongside Bryce Harper.

Immediately after the game, he was promoted to advanced Single-A Frederick. He struggled there at first, but has settled in and is back on track to fly through the upper minors in 2012 before potentially joining the team in 2013. Machado's trip to the Futures Game in July, just after his 18th birthday, was just a taste of the potential All-Star career of the Orioles future star.

Here are nine current players that Manny Machado may resemble when he inevitably makes the jump to the majors.

9. Yunel Escobar, Toronto Blue Jays

Yunel Escobar seems like a lower estimate of what Machado could eventually become. Escobar hits for a good average and has some power, but isn't incredibly fast.

Machado has nine home runs in the minors, one less than Escobar in the majors this year, but is 10 years younger and still has room to grow. His speed, or use of speed, is more evident than Escobar's as well, with eight steals compared to Escobar's three.

If Machado became Yunel Escobar, it would probably be considered a disappointment, but he would still be a very solid player.

8. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox

While I couldn't see Machado becoming a copy of Ramirez, I could definitely see some aspects that would be similar in both.

Alexei has power, despite a very small frame, and speed to make an impact on the bases. He is all right in the field, but has the ability to make all of the plays. He doesn't hit for a great average and has average patience, but holds his own as a hitter.

Machado should be better than Ramirez. That may not come to fruition and he may become like Alexei, but he has all the ability to be better.

7. Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies

Jimmy Rollins has been a terrific player for the last decade. He has had injuries and slipping performance in the last couple of years, but has had some terrific seasons and some seasons that are just OK.

Machado could potentially match Rollins' All-Star potential. Rollins has been selected to three All-Star games and I wouldn't consider it a stretch to think Machado could be that good.

I think that Machado could also potentially be named MVP in his career. Rollins was the 2007 NL MVP when he played in all 162 games and led the Phillies to the playoffs. If the Orioles regain a playoff caliber team, Machado could be the driving force and take home the award.

6. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

Some have projected that Machado's size may force him to move to third base, although a certain Hall of Famer in Orioles history showed that taller guys can play shortstop too. That's why I think that Machado could be like Ryan Zimmerman.

Zimmerman is mostly underrated because he plays for the Nationals. It's incredible to think that an injured Stephen Strasburg, struggling Jayson Werth and minor league Bryce Harper are getting more attention than the Gold Glove-winning third baseman/team leader.

Machado has the potential to be a similar force in Baltimore on a team that mostly flies under the radar.

5. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians

This comparison mostly brings me back to Rollins' 2007 year, when he shined to lead his team to the playoffs. While Cabrera might not be playoff bound with the Indians this year, he has definitely provided great offense for his team to lead them to victories.

Cabrera has shown power, speed, fielding ability and the ability to hit for average this year for the Indians. I think that this is the goal and probably most likely projection for Manny Machado. Machado could be a five-tool talent like Cabrera and lead his team at a young age too.

4. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins

While Hanley is mostly amazing because he has one of the greatest first names in the world, he is also a terrific offensive force who is not only one of the best shortstops in the game, but also one of the best players.

He's had an off year and some effort issues in the past, but it's undeniable that from 2007 to 2010, Ramirez was a monster at the plate. I think Ramirez is struggling because he has lost Dan Uggla as protection in the lineup. Mike Stanton is good, but young, and Uggla was one of the more feared bats in the National League.

The protection issue is one that Machado might also run into. He may have the same offensive ability as Ramirez one day, but not have people around him that can produce. Nick Markakis seemed to have the same problem in 2010 and it hurt how he was perceived. 

3. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Longoria and his former Long Beach State teammate who is next on this list are probably the best-case scenario for Machado. I have the next guy ahead of Longoria because Longoria plays third.

Machado could one day become like Longoria for many reasons. Longoria is a bonafide superstar for the Tampa Bay Rays, with offensive and defensive prowess that put him in elite status. Machado could one day be that kind of player.

They also share the fact that they play in the A.L. East, so assuming there is no realignment, they could potentially be the elite superstars along with Jose Bautista that are tasked with taking down the financial powerhouses in Boston and New York.

The one thing that will never be similar is that Machado will never sign a nine-year, team-friendly contract extension after a week in the majors. Scott Boras would never let that happen.

2. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Like Longoria, this former Dirtbag is one of the game's best players. He is young, talented and a leader.

The Orioles would jump for joy if they could get a player of Troy Tulowitzki's talent. He plays in a hitter-friendly park, but could be the best offensive player on almost any other team. His elite fielding ability and offesive prowess make him an attractive comparison.

Machado has the potential to become Tulowitzki-like, but it will take a lot of work. It's obviously too early to call because Machado is just 18, but his potential is through the roof and nobody knows what will eventually happen.

1. Alex Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners

During the time before the 2010 draft, everybody was saying the same things about a young shortstop from Miami. He was tall and strong, so comparisons were made to the last guy to fit that same description. The 2010 player was Manny Machado, but everyone kept going back to 1993, when Alex Rodriguez was drafted first overall.

I chose to compare Machado to Rodriguez as a Mariner because I certainly hope that he doesn't make the same stupid choices that could cost Alex Rodriguez a spot in Cooperstown.

Machado will almost surely fall short of A-Rod's career. I won't shoot down the possibility because as Justin Bieber has taught me: never say never. That said, Rodriguez has had a career that will likely go unmatched.

There's no denying that Machado is very talented. Can he hit 40 home runs with patience, speed and a knack for coming up clutch? The answer is probably not, but anything is possible.