Second Impressions

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SEASON'S BACK END: MANNY MACHADO'S CHASE FOR AN ANCIENT RECORD (AND MAYBE AN MVP), TRADE- DEADLINE MOVERS, THE VANISHING STEAL, PUIGMANIA AND, OF COURSE, OUR WORLD SERIES REFORECAST (STILL STICKING BY OUR PICK THAT THE NATS WILL REACH ... THE POSTSEASON)

Doubling Down

Manny Machado hit the All-Star break with 39 doubles in the Orioles' first 96 games, putting him in position to challenge one of the game's oldest offensive records: the single-season mark for doubles, set in 1931 when Red Sox rightfielder Earl Webb hit 67. Even if he doesn't catch Webb, the Baltimore third baseman—who is on pace for 66 two-baggers—can join an exclusive club. Only six players have hit 60 doubles, all coming from 1926 through '36.

Machado's 39 doubles are the second most any player has had by the All-Star break, behind only Edgar Martinez's 42 in 1996. (He finished with 52.) Here's how Machado's 96-game total stacks up against the paces set by the six members of Club 60.

PHOTO

JASON WISE/MLB PHOTOS/GETTY IMAGES (GOLDSCHMIDT)