PEORIA, Az. – Almost a year ago, I asked Bobby Dickerson about Manny Machado, a player he had helped convert from shortstop to third base while serving as the Orioles’ minor-league infield coordinator in 2012.



Dickerson, then the Phillies’ infield coach, concluded the conversation by asking me to tell Machado, the Padres’ newly anointed $300 million man, to give him a call.



“He doesn’t return my messages anymore,” Dickerson said, only half-joking.



Well, now Dickerson is reunited with Machado in San Diego, part of a revamped staff that will include another of Machado’s former Orioles coaches, Wayne Kirby, as well as his former Orioles teammate, Ryan Flaherty and a notable import from the Yankees, pitching coach Larry Rothschild.



So, Bobby, any better luck getting Manny to call?



“Barely,” Dickerson said. “Manny’s Manny. Depends on the mood he’s in. Depends on what...