With Baltimore's collapse a certainty, the 2018 Yankees are merely in a BEFORE MANNY mode

Sometimes, numbers spook us. For example, did you know that in 29 years, at our current rate of consumption, the oceans will run out of seafood? (Actually, this won't bother me; by then, I'll be in a rec room, eating creamed corn, grunting unintelligibly, and - if I'm lucky - privately reliving the Bucky Dent game.)

Sometimes, numbers rile us. Did you know that 77 percent of Republicans say they get angry at least once a day? It's true, and you know what, that really pisses me off. WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO BE ANGRY ABOUT? THEY'VE GOT ALL THE MONEY. THEY'VE GOT THE WHOLE FUCKING GOVERNMENT FOR SALE. THEY'VE GOT THE POWER, YET THEY'RE WHINING? FUCK THAT! 

Sorry. I'm okay now. I took a pill.

Sometimes, numbers tell us what we already know. For example: The numbers up top tell us that Didi Gregorius is baseball's best shortstop, bar none, period, book'm Dano! In fact, Sir Didi might be the game's best player. Exclamation point, right on, motherfucker! Of course, it's April, and let's not ruin anybody with expectations based on a month. Still, thus far in 2018, only one other shortstop comes close - Mr. Manny Machado - and frankly, the world still see him playing third. 

Here are some gruesome numbers: The Orioles are 7-19, last in the AL East, and 12-and-a-half games out. Manny's time in Baltimore is dwindling. At this rate, I doubt the front office will wait until July to put him on the block. (The earlier he goes, the more they can demand.) A nuclear bomb is about to explode in some divisional race near you. And considering the stakes, it's feasible to imagine Baltimore doing what would have once seemed unfathomable: Trading Manny to the Yankees.

Now, a number of things would have to happen. Machado would have to accept a return to 3B, because Didi isn't moving. But Cooperstown Cashman would certainly offer at least three young players whose future in the organization would be virtually blocked by Manny's arrival: Miguel Andujar, Tyler Wade and Brandon Drury. Throw in a Clint Frazier or Justus Sheffield, and the deal could get done. It sickens me to think of Baltimore rising on the backs of the Yankee farm system - didn't they do that in the 1970s with Scott McGregor, Tippy Martinez and Rick Dempsey? - but I ask you: Does anyone not think it will happen?

There is one huge uncertainty. Machado, 25, will be a free agent next winter. Before a trade, would Baltimore give the Yankees a window to try and sign Manny to a long-term contract? And if so, could it happen? (They'd have to be careful, because too much money could vault them past the luxury tax threshold.) If he's a three-month rental, the price would drop... that is, unless an insane bidding war evolves. For the Yankees, that's the worst-case scenario. We blow our entire system for a rental. And again, I ask you: Does anyone not think this will happen?  

Frankly, I hope it doesn't. I don't wish Machado harm, but I find myself hoping he tweaks a gonad around July 1, forcing him to miss three months. That would squash a universe-altering mid-season trade. Nothing gives more joy than a homegrown Yankee, and watching the 1990's ascension of Bernie, Mariano and Jeter was a great thrill. Even if our prospects fail - a few surely will, Tyler Wade sure looks shaky - I'd rather we wait until winter to sign Machado. But let's not kid ourselves. The gorilla is in the room. The clouds are forming on the horizon. The 2018 pennant race will feature a BEFORE MANNY and an AFTER MANNY. And no team will be more affected than the Yankees.