Machado savors World Baseball Classic run

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Manny Machado is back from the World Baseball Classic, and he had a delightful time playing for the Dominican Republic.
"It's fun to be back and be back with the guys and get ready for the season. It was an exciting time at the World Baseball Classic and something I'll never forget," Machado said. "It was a great experience; great memories taken from that. But now I'm excited to get back and try to create some new ones this year with the team that we've got here."
Machado left the Orioles on March 5 to play third base and shortstop for the Dominican Republic, which was eliminated by Team USA on Saturday. He loved every part of the WBC, except the losing.
:: 2017 World Baseball Classic ::
"Just everything overall, the overall experience of being a part of the team, trying to represent your country and be around the guys that I was around," Machado said. "I don't have one particular moment. I think just the whole overall experience was great."
For most fans, the moment that stood out was when Machado's O's teammate, Adam Jones, denied him a home run with a terrific catch. Machado topped the moment by doffing his helmet and saluting Jones.
"He's a great player. He's representing his country, trying to do everything, laying it out on the field every day like he does when he's here," Machado said of Jones. "He made a hell of a catch. I mean, it was unbelievable. It was one of the best catches I've ever seen him make, or ever seen being made.
"Unfortunately, he robbed me, but better him than somebody else. But I'm going to be watching him [in Wednesday night's championship game vs. Puerto Rico], rooting for him doing what he needs to do. I know he's enjoyed, definitely, the whole experience and enjoyed everything about it. At the end of the day, we're all trying to represent ourselves and represent our country the right way, and I think that's what we did out there."

Machado and his Dominican teammate Welington Castillo are expected in the O's lineup Saturday night vs. the Twins.
Even though his Classic is over, Machado is ready for 2021.

"One hundred percent. Sign me up already. Right now. It was just unbelievable, the whole experience. The fans that were out there [in] San Diego, Miami. They came to watch baseball. This is how baseball is supposed to be played," Machado said.
"They were into the game, every pitch, every moment, supporting us, and I think we thrive off of that. If it was up to me, I would do it every year and go and try and represent our country the best way we can. Sign me up for the next one."