By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Soon-to-be free agent infielder Manny Machado sure made his presence felt during the two-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Baltimore Orioles, July 3-4 at Citizens Bank Park.
It is no secret that Phillies are eyeing to acquire the three-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner and seven year veteran, either via trade before July 31, or via signing through free agency this offseason.
Prior to Wednesday afternoon's series finale, reporters asked Machado if he would sign a contract extension with another club, if dealt away from the team which drafted him third overall in the 2010 amateur draft.
In response, Machado called the question "bold," and followed by saying, “I’m not here to talk about contracts or anything like that during the season. I’m going out there to play baseball and let my agent handle the rest," according to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury.
Nice support from the #Phillies crowd for trade target, Manny Machado. pic.twitter.com/u7D9zs33XL
— Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) July 4, 2018
Salisbury writes:
"Machado sees the Phillies in spring training. Wednesday was his fourth game against the Phils this season. He is familiar with a number of Phillies front office officials, including club president Andy MacPhail, general manager Matt Klentak, assistant GM Ned Rice and scouting director Joe Jordan from their time in Baltimore. Machado has positive impressions of the Phillies."
Read: Phillies Brass Ties to Orioles Could Generate Machado, Britton Blockbuster
Machado also told reporters his views on the current state of the Phillies, calling the Gabe Kapler-led squad a "very good ballclub.”
“They are all young and they’re hungry. They want to win, so they’ve been impressive," Machado said. "I can’t tell you any more about it because I’m on the other side and I don’t really see them that much. … I know how Andy works and I’ve seen those guys work. They turned (the Orioles) organization around and I’m sure they are going to try to do the same thing on the other side.”
The once-third baseman also reinforced to reporters his desire to play shortstop, saying it is the position he knows he can "play and produce."
Machado, who turns 26 on Friday, collected just one hit — a double — through six at-bats in the series against the Phillies. The Hialeah, Florida, native walked and struck out twice, and also recorded two steals.
The Phillies will get one last first-hand, in-game look of Machado, as they travel to Baltimore for a makeup game on Thursday, July 12.
