Machado might not escape SD

THOUGH Manny Machado said he intends to opt out, don’t bet against Padres owner Peter Seidler getting the deal done. He’s determined to bring the first pro sports championship to San Diego, and it’s amazing what he’s doing for the midmarket club. The Padres trail just the Mets and Yankees in payroll.

There’s concern for Stephen Strasburg after his latest setback with the nerve issue following thoracic outlet surgery.

On rival exec expressed surprise the Red Sox are going with Connor Wong and Reese McGuire as their catching tandem.

They haven’t called Gary Sanchez, the top catcher still free.

Corbin Burnes wasn’t the only strange ruling for an arbitration loss. Ryan Helsley and Teoscar Hernandez looked like potential wins, too, as players went 6-13.

New Brewer Luke Voit, the AL homer leader in 2020 (the pandemic year), taking a minors deal was a surprise.

Yuli Gurriel may be facing the same fate in a tough 1B market.

Mike Moustakas is said to be in great shape but he may also have to take an MRI exam.

Sixto Sanchez has lost 50 pounds and he’s still building arm strength but isn’t expected to be ready until summer.

Matt Harvey hopes pitching for Team Italy will ignite his comeback.

Shohei Ohtani is expected to start games for Team Japan. They have it mapped out but haven’t said when yet.

Team USA has a starstudded lineup. But here are star starting pitchers missing: Dylan Cease, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Alek Manoah, Zac Gallen, Shane McClanahan, Shane Bieber, Burnes, Logan Webb, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Jacob deGrom.

No reason USA should be a big favorite.