940 thoughts on “Open Discussion: Week of February 11, 2019”

1. Trout and Wentz take in the Sixers game last night, Wentz was with Jeffery but I’m sure they had a chance to talk, hopefully about playing for the phillies in 2 years or less.

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   1. Can’t wait for another two years. Mike Trout loves being in Millville/Philly. Most guys are showing up early for ST, and he (and Mrs. Trout) have gotta’ catch one last 76ers game (and how about what Elton Brand has done with that team!!!) before he heads off to Arizona. He feels the love every time he shows up at an Eagles or Sixers game.
      Trout is the main reason the Phillies aren’t bidding against themselves for Harper. For every additional million they give Harper, that’s (likely) a million they can’t give Trout. As I was told, after the season ended. The team will be aggressive, but not reckless because Mike Trout is their end game. By “reckless” I was told they would not sign both Harper and Machado. At that time, nobody knew the price for these guys would be as depressed as it has become. I believe Middleton can/will go much higher if another club steps up their offer. However, they are just not going to fork over an extra 25+ million dollars to allow Boras to wear the “I negotiated the biggest guaranteed money deal in MLB history” badge.

      .@MikeTrout is in the building! pic.twitter.com/C9UWceJVL2

      — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 10, 2019

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      1. It’s neither here nor there on a Phillies minor league prospect site, but I was at the Sixers game yesterday and have been watching them all season. Once every one gets settled in, this team will easily be better than the 2000-01 version that went to the NBA finals. This is the best Sixers team since the early 80s – I have no doubt about it.

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         1. catch … we’re agreeing again.

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      2. Hinkie – Did I miss something? I thought the Angels were going to make an extended offer to Trout this winter. Are they waiting for Harper to set the bar?

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         1. Do you really think he signs it? No reason to not hit the open market

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            1. Yeah I think he passes. He has an out to, saying I want to see what the roster config will look like before extending. With all the players out there now, you’d imagine he can’t be pleased. Would grade would he give the Angels offseason? I can’t imagine he’d rate it higher than a”C”, and most likely a D-

               One BH/MM sign, the trout watch will really heat up

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         2. Mike … The Angels will probably approach Trout sometime after Harper and Machado sign. However, IMO, it’s very unlikely Trout will want to sign an extension at this time. He already has plenty of money in the bank, the future offers will most likely only increase, and waiting will only put more pressure on Arte Moreno to make upgrades to the Angels.
            The Mike Trout-LAA situation will probably come to a crossroads next winter. Does he sign a LTX then (one year from FA)? If he doesn’t, do the Angels listen to offers for him? And … could Trout (who has a no-trade clause) only accept a trade to the Phillies?

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      3. Honestly … how does he not sign with the Phillies? If you’re an Angels fan, how does this not make you nervous as hell? I’m sure it is way worse than Magic tampering with simmons

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2. Oh boy. Another week of a bunch of posters who claim to have knowledge of when someone will sign. Lol. Let’s just all pretend we get neither and when it happens, all act pleasantly surprised.

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3. Think about all the unsigned players being held up by these two and their agents. Do they get upset with them or do they understand it’s business?

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   1. From the Boras/Harper perspective, they know (and apparently blew) the original offer from the Phillies for 9/360. That was mainly on Harper who was advised by Boras to take it. Then the Phillies wised up to the revelation that nobody else would come close to that figure, so here we are. The entire industry (including the yet unsigned FAs) perceives that Harper’s take will be significantly north of whatever Manny gets, except perhaps Manny and Lozano. Hence the gridlock. If Harper had embraced the love the Phillies were offering at first, this off season is waaaaay different from what it is now.

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      1. 8mark…my guess to get the seal of approval for one or the other…from the Phillies perspective.
         Manny—-8/$288M
         or
         Harper—-9/$333M
         …just do not see any other team offering both the longevity and the extended dollar amount at that level

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      2. When was this offered to him ?

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         1. When the Phillies met with Boras (alone) prior to the winter meetings.

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         2. No….that is not their offer….that is my own preference.
            Know one knows what they offered..initially and what ever thet did to modify it…except the parties involved

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            1. No one…not know

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            2. Romus,

               Jim reported a while back that 9/360 was the figure he heard, turned away by Harper who told Boras to make it happen with LAD. This may have been in late Nov.

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               1. Ok…yes i forgot that.
                  Thanks for reminding me.

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4. One aspect of the front office that I find confusing is that their stated strategy – “grow the arms, buy the bats” – doesn’t seem to line up with their actions. They continually use first round picks on bats. Their highest dollar value LA signings are bats. And they just traded their #1 pitching prospect for a bat.

   It seems that their strategy on pitchers is – don’t invest a lot in any one pitching prospect. Just get a lot of arms with pitchability and hope they develop can gain velocity with their developmental program that emphasizes using legs more.

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   1. LOL…..pay no attention to Andy…he just likes saying that.
      That is his ‘new-team’ mantra……just a smoke-screen.
      He said the same thing in Baltimore 9 years ago.

      https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-xpm-2011-07-23-bs-sp-schmuck-orioles-0724-20110723-story.html

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   2. v1 … good point. I believe Johnny Almaraz has said as much. He looks for “pichability”/guys who can throw strikes.
      I’d like to see the team draft an arm this summer. The Phillies are picking at a spot (1-14) where top prep players seem to fall every year. I posted some names in last week’s draft thread who I’d be very happy for Johnny Almaraz to take a chance on. In case anyone missed it, they are: Carter Stewart, Spencer Jones, Brennan Malone, and Daniel Espino. JJ Goss is another kid who should rise up draft boards between now and June. And … I’ve recently been hearing the name Jackson Rutledge. He’s a RH JUCO pitcher who throws upper 90’s (T99).
      Probably should have posted this in the draft thread. I’ll post video of Rutledge there.

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   3. Doubly strange since they have no first round hitter since Utley who comes close to Nola. And we also drafted Hamels. For some reason our scouts do great at identifying pitches and absolutely stink at identifying 1st round quality OFs.

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5. This has to be fake news from Harper:

   “I’m a big fan of coach [Gabe] Kapler and the roster he’s assembled, but I’d love to see the Phillies make a big move to another city before I commit to playing for them,” said the 2015 National League MVP, adding that he’d even be willing to sign at a lower salary if it would help the team relocate to someplace warm like San Jose or Orlando. “I’m really trying to put myself in the best position and it feels like the Phillies have all the pieces in place, except for the city. Playing with Jake [Arrieta] and Andrew [McCutchen] would be great, but in the end I would still be stuck in Philadelphia. But if they’re able to guarantee they’ll build a new stadium and move the franchise to Omaha, I’ll sign tomorrow.”

   ……if not fake new but real….then MacPhail and Klentak need to convince Middleton to get the obsession with Harper out of his sytem and go get Manny.
   At least Manny can live in Manhattan if he cannot play in the Bronx.

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   1. It’s from the onion……

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      1. Yeah…saw that now……must be taking with a grain of salt for sure.

         https://sports.theonion.com/bryce-harper-asks-if-phillies-willing-to-move-to-anothe-1832462398

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6. Romus I see that comment real or not getting walked back some time today LOL

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7. Another day closer Phillies phans …

   Any series against divisional opponents is going to pretty intense, even that Marlins. Whoever can win the season series against could be the deciding factor in who is the NL EAST champ.

   The Braves road to repeat is a lot harder, they racked up most of their wins from the division, of that trend continues it will be hard for them to keep pace, now that the Phils, Mets, And Nats beef’d up .

   Going to be good matchups throughout the season, I hope Nola is ready to repeat his 2018 campaign, Arrietta rights the ship, and Pivetta takes his next step forward.

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8. Jim, not sure who does not consider you a ‘real’ reporter, but I hate to break it to them that, thankfully, is exactly what you are. Can’t beat ‘boots on the ground’!

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9. I know JTR is a “bat” the Phillies bought, but he will just as much to help the pitching staff improve, if not more. This trade was like buying a bat and an arm.

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   1. As much as I want Harper, the best player on the Phillies when he signs will still be the Real Deal.

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   2. He is a steal imo. Sixto could develop, but Realmuto is already developed and can possibly get better moving to CBP and having projection again.

      Just need to extend him and all is good. Hard to give up on Sixto, but he was no sure thing. It’s really puzzling to me why Stewart was included if other pitchers were offered. One team seems to be way off in their valuation of the Phillies pitchers, let’s hope it is the Marlins. It was reported they believed Stewart to be the Phillies 2nd best pitching prospect… believe I read this as a quote in an article from Mlbtraderumors.

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10. In a couple more days we’ll be talking about the players who ARE in camp, instead of the ones who aren’t.

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11. It seems I post the same thing every new week: “Nothing has changed”. John Middleton is the desperate shopper. All the other clubs with the financial might to sign BH/MM are opportunistic shoppers. The Phillies look to be the only club willing to go long term/most guaranteed money. And … in the end … that’s what all FA’s want.
    Last week, people on television, radio, internet suddenly threw the SFG’s out there as the new team to watch for Haper. The dust has now settled, and it looks like the Giants are no different from the rest of the competition. They were investigating if there’s any chance they can get Harper at a sale price.

    The #SFGiants reportedly aren't wiling to approach $300MM for Bryce Harper https://t.co/xXEagKbLZQ pic.twitter.com/SCnWsgn9MH

    — MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) February 10, 2019

    Hang in there.. This is the same path the Red Sox took to get JD Martinez, and the Phillies traveled to land Jake Arrieta last spring.

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    1. Hinkie – thought of you when I saw this tweet

       https://mobile.twitter.com/JackFritzWIP/status/1094969503514017793

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       1. Yes, Troll. Unless/until another team steps up to the plate and makes Harper a long term/big guaranteed dollars offer, there is no reason not to believe the Phillies won’t sign him for about the price they are offering right now. I don’t know what Middleton has on the table at this moment, but I suspect it’s a front loaded (maybe) 10 year deal that would allow Boras/Harper to claim the highest AAV for the first 5 seasons before he’s given an opt out. The length (10 years) would allow the Phillies to tack on lower yearly rates to the second half of the contract (after Harper can opt out), and that would lower the total AAV (which is what MLB uses to calculate your cap hit) of the pact.

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12. This weekend, I spoke briefly with one of the Atlanta Braves Minor League Coordinators. Our daughters are in school together and are good friends. I don’t know him well but in our few convos we’ve talked about the girls and about the Braves. When I asked him what he thought about the Realmuto trade, his smile immediately turned to a serious expression. He emphatically said, “Well, it definitely isn’t good for us!” Unfortunately someone grabbed him before either of us could say anything else. His expression and tone said enough. The Braves felt this one. They didn’t get JTR and, even worse (for them), the Phillies did.

    Go Klentak! I’ll continue to appreciate that you try to be both patient and opportunistic!

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13. Money is neither stupid nor smart. It’s the people that use it who are. Ten year mega contracts in any sport is the stupid use of money, especially for two ball players who aren’t eager to come here. Mike Trout could be the exception and probably would play his heart out for the Phillies. If the Phillies pay Harper or Machado $30-36m per for 10 years, you can throw half of that out the window.

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    1. I think it probably won’t be that bad. I think, as Hinkie has suggested, the contract will be front loaded with money and opt out clauses. In actuality, the contract is more likely to be 4 years than 10. The hard decision, I believe, will be prior to the opt out – and whether the team wants to re-negotiate the balance of the contract term.

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    2. The only downside to a Trout contract – and it is significant – is that as we watch him play out the next 2 seasons in his prime, the latter half of his new deal will likely be on a decline. My suggestion was to try and sign him to a lifetime contract where we spread the guaranteed money over say, 30 years, mostly for special services after his playing days are over. With that in mind, I would rather trade for him sooner than later, requiring a (relatively) lesser return on young talent since he’ll have little left on his current contract.

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       1. im not a huge fan of deferred $. Can hamstring you down the line.

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       2. This is the main reason why I say you don’t worry about him and go after BOTH. Yes Trout has been AMAZING and will go down as one of, if not the best I’ve ever seen play (33 yr old) BUT as you said, he’ll be at the end of his prime and baseball players just don’t age like they used to. How many years will he have played at that point? 9-10? And all of them balls to the wall.

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14. I think Phillies should say to Harper take it or leave it by Wednesday. 8 at 300. Bad dressing Ivy leaguer has had a terrific offseason so far. I like this team

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    1. No way Boras wouldn’t call that bluff. No one is going to dictate a timeline to him. The only way to give him an ultimatum is to have a strong offer out to Machado (and Harper) and tell him we’re not going to sign both at these rates. If the offer to Machado is good enough that there is a real chance he accepts, that would put pressure on him and Harper to either poop or get off the pot.

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       1. agreed
          I think MK is playing this right even though frustrating though remember JD Martinez went thru same thing last yr
          put out the parameters of a deal but have them check back with us as end game.
          BH is coming to philly unless he’s willing to take less money to go somewhere else which is anti-boras and nothing us or MK can do anything about

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    2. Other than immediate gratification from telling Boras to stick it, plus the fact that what little patience we have has grown thin, the Phillies have no sound business reason to lay down the gauntlet. If either Machado or Harper showed the least inclination to want to sign here, it might make a difference but the Phillies have no pressure on them until one of them signs with another club.

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    3. Why? It’s not a sound strategy. Just wait….

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15. The minor league teams’ coaches were announced on Friday. Each team has a manager, two coaches, plus a pitching coach. Didn’t the teams all previously have a manager, a pitching coach and one coach? I think the Phils have added a coach to each team which is great news if you believe like I do, and I guess they do, that the development of the position players has been terrible. I was also happy to see lots of coaches get moved up a level with their players. Let’s get spring training started!!

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    1. This weekend is the last weekend w/o games for a long time!

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    2. No. They carried a manager, bench coach, hitting coach, and pitching coach last season, too.

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16. Guys – this could be big news or could be nothing. It echoes CD hearing that this will be wrapped up sooner than later.

    per @russellmania621 (26.4k followers and is out of DC).

    “Decision week for Bryce in Vegas….This could be over by Thursday (Valentine’s Day). Heard no more meetings. 3-4 teams are serious contenders. I assume that still includes #Nats but not 100% sure Heard a week or so ago, they would get final chance to match.”

    Ok so I will assume; Phillies, Giants, Nationals, maybe Padres.

    This will be an interesting few days.

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    1. Speaking of CD – please keep your eyes open for Shadow and 702! lol

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       1. Wondering if the close friend is Bryant?

          https://www.instagram.com/p/BV3jrqLhUsI/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_mid=W75QGwABAAERLxUxdVJ5TWJ4e3j_

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          1. My mind is thinking a thousand things
             Why is he wearing a DC hat? Yes I know, style, but it could also give a hint.
             I don’t feel like the Cubs are 100% out.

             I still feel good for the Phillies but it’ll be a long week

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    2. Just saw the same thing, Troll. Apparently, this guy (Chris Russell) is a sports radio guy in Washington. Someone mentions that Russell has been right on with his Harper news to this point so maybe there could be some validity to this report.

       Decision week for Bryce in Vegas….This could be over by Thursday (Valentine's Day). Heard no more meetings. 3-4 teams are serious contenders. I assume that still includes #Nats but not 100% sure. Heard a week or so ago, they would get final chance to match. pic.twitter.com/r2gHhClqXU

       — Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) February 11, 2019

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17. I have no doubt that Harper gets more $ than Machado, so I don’t think the strategy of offering the same deal to both has any significance. We just have to wait it out. Boras is well aware that Middleton will be the high bidder. I have no idea how we feel about Machado, or what his Agent is thinking at this point. The good news is, there should be a resolution by Opening Day! That is only another 6 weeks.

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18. Yes, Shadow and 702 both commented on what Chris Warren said, and apparently Warren is very credible and has access to the Nats since he is a Washington sports guy. So Warren doesn’t just throw gum on walls and hope they stick. But I digress…

    Shadow [Phillies connection] said the Phils will have the “highest offer by a significant margin” and this COULD be the week. His only reason for suggesting it may go a bit longer is that “Boras is still Boras.” But he does think the end game is near.

    He also said something else quite interesting…and revealing. He compared the Harper negotiations to what just happened with Realmuto. He said that if we recall, the Phils indicated an interest in Realmuto early [just as they did with Harper] and then went silent [as they really have with Harper] and then at the precise moment they struck swiftly and successfully. He said he believes the Phils will strike on Harper at precisely the right time and that there offer will be the highest by a large margin.

    702 [Harper connection and Las Vegas resident] also chimed in and said something I found very interesting, and probably true. He said Warren likely got his information from the Nats [makes sense] and that the Nats got their information from Boras [also makes a ton of sense.] This does fit with the Boras I know. He will play his Boras games and then when he senses he has corralled as many interested teams as he can he will let them all know its time to make their final and best offer. He undoubtedly told this to the Nats, who passed it on to the Nats, who passed it on to Warren. He also believes that Boras has told the Nats, just like he did the Phillies, that he will give them a chance to match any top offer.

    Boras then has a pow wow with his client, discusses pros and cons about all interested teams and then allows his client to make the final decision. It is worth noting that Boras does not simply sit and let his client make the decision, he will offer his thoughts and opinions…but in the end, its Harper’s Ferry to take. So we shall see.

    702 also made one more interesting comment…he thinks the only competition to the Phillies is not the Giants or Nats, its the Yankees. He thinks they may be lying in the weeds, ready to strike, especially after Steinbrenner got slammed for being cheap last week. Please note that 702 was merely offering his view on the Yankees and this was not something he had heard.

    Alas, in the end, 702 thinks its the Phillies.

    One more point, and this is mine. Yes, Boras doing Boras things is all part of this and he will delay, stall and slow things down as much as he can BUT he is no fool. He understands that he needs Middleton, Lerner, Sabean and Steinbrenner as much as they need him and he has to know they all want this to end soon. Middleton wants to end this because he is determined to win, Lerner needs this over so the Nats can move on before spring training and the other teams need this to end so they can sign guys like Keuchel, Gonzalez, Gio Gonzalez and his other 6 clients and this delay is simply not good for baseball.

    So there you have it…

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    1. Then, if a betting man, lay the money on Harper to Philly.

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       1. from your mouth to boras and harper’s ears

          funny thing is, this is such a great place for him to play if the team is good.

          cbp is crazy for playoff games. I’ve been there.

          Washington is terrible .

          can you imagine that stadium on opening day with harper and JTR in the lineup?

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          1. sr…..logically, everything points to Harper eating post-game cheese steaks in the locker room this summer…just hoping it is the home team locker room.

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    2. CD, good read, whether true or not. FWIW, I’ll buy it as credible. It’s a logically conclusion. Let’s connect he dots from the beginning of FA. At one point, the rumor was the Phillies were bidding against themselves. I believe that was said shortly before or after the “stupid money” comment. The fact that the Phillies offer has not truly leaked is strategic. Phillies scare off potentioal suitors, back it up with McCutchen as an example. Show they are going f or it without segura, and Realmuto. She’d payroll in Santana.

       The smart play that we are over looking is that the Phillies are not going to let their best offer flap in the wind. If the Phillies offer was let out at the beginning of FA, it let’s teams like the Nats,Dodgers, and cubs know exactly how much payroll
       They need to move.

       By keeping it quite, it doesn’t allow those teams to make their necessary moves to fit in BH/MM. now, Phillies go in with a high # and continuously raise until the ink is on the paper.

       If teams know the Phillies offer, they can plan, now they have to guess. That is a great strategy against the Yankees for example, and the dodgers.

       I can see it being over Thursday. Mandatory Position plYers report date is soon enough

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       1. People…. it’s in the CBA that you are not allowed to negotiate contracts through the media. It’s the rule. Most teams are quiet right up until they sign the player. Remember how quiet the yanks were before grabbing Stanton? 90% of this stuff is kept under lid.

          Phillies aren’t being sneaky and ready to pounce. They’re following the rules.

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19. Vegas odds now have San Fran as even money favorites to land Harper. Then the Padres with next best odds, followed very closely by Phils. Lol.

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    1. I am pulling the money back now….wait 48 hours until Boras sets the new line..

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       1. I’d put my money on the Phillies.

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20. I guess if he doesn’t sign here, I hope its SF or SD and not the Nats.

    those teams are not playoffs contenders for next few yrs either way

    SD had a great minor league system but still going to take a few yrs to be good unless they all come up like gangbusters as rookies

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    1. sr…..if it is the Padres…..doubt it but never know….then i would raid their OF surplus…..three OFers they have would fit nicely in CBP….Myers, Reyes or Renfroe…..they will look to move one or two of them, especially the pricier one, (for them) Myers.

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21. Vegas actually has the Phillies the 4th favorited to sign Harper w San Fran being the betting favorite. I’ll say it again, i’ll Listen to Vegas before most “experts”. Not a good sign. ESP bc imho Machado has ZERO interest in Philly. ZERO.
    Well I’m back on the, I don’t think we get either train. Theres just no reason for it not to have happened already unless they just aren’t interested in Philly. And I’m sorry guys but it really seems like neither are.

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    1. Unless San Fran or San Diego can come up with a massive offer I don;t see the union or Boras allowing Harper to take a largely discounted deal due to city preference.

       The union sees the writing on the wall with these past two hot stove seasons. Long term mega deals are becoming very rare. Both BH and MM are great test cases to see where the future of the FA market is going.

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       1. agreed
          if harper and MM cant get long term , huge money deals, who can other than trout or betts?
          everyone’s market will be set below there guys

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    2. It’s an off shore account and Vegas currently has no odds posted for either of them. This is most likely clickbait. A lot of times with these lines they cap it at say a $50 bet if you can actually make one at all. They are most likely basing this of the last team he visited.

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    3. Is it Vegas posting or the offshore account? Supposedly Vegas hasnt updated their odds..

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22. Shadow agrees with Bossss, says there is NO chance Harper signs with Giants, none. Same with Padres, zip, zero, zilch. He thinks Phils only competition is Nats. 702 thinks Yankees. Shadow’s view is what he hears from Phillies, 702’s view is merely his own.

    Both said Phils will have top offer, significantly better. I still say Phils offer will be more than $325. Boras is obsessed with beating Stanton’s number, Middleton understands that and while Hinkie has valid points why he doesn’t necessarily believe Phils will need to top $325, I am basing my view on how Boras operates and the Phils need and desire to build a good working relationship with Boras. Don’t for one moment think this isn’t important or that Middleton doesn’t understand this.

    I guess if I were to categorize this it would that Hinkie views this from Klentak and McPhail’s perspective…don’t pay a penny more than you have to! I base mine on how Middleton is likely to view this….I want Harper, and want to build a relationship with an agent who is likely to have many clients in future years that I value, including my own [Hoskins, Velasquez, Arrieta, Williams.]

    Look, for better or worse, Boras has successfully helped baseball powers in New York, Boston and Washington by steering his clients to those teams and he did it by building relationships with ownership, not GM’s. Middleton gets this, wants Harper, and if it takes adding $25 million on a 10 year deal [ basically 2.5 million a year or the cost of a middle reliever] he will do it. I told you that Shadow said Middleton is obsessed with getting Harper and reminds Klentak/McPhail of this daily.

    I would not want to be in Phillie headquarters the day after Harper signs with another team and Boras says Harper went with the top offer. Heads might roll. Its worth noting that Jimmy Rollins once said that Middleton was the George Steinbrenner of the NL and he knows the owner well.

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    1. No offense but these people you are naming know just as much as any of us do. They are hearing things the same way we are. Once again, if he wanted to be here he would be, we have the most money and he knows that. We need to take our blinders off for a min and realize that for whatever reason (even after building up the team a bit) we aren’t attractive right now to him. Or Manny.
       You can talk about the Giants or SD being bad but they are closer to his family and last time I checked we weren’t knocking doors down yet either. All I’m saying it I wouldn’t be shock anymore if we get neither. And I HATE saying that.

       Btw I don’t think you can actually bet where a player signs. I’m pretty sure they just post odds bc that’s what they do, it brings people in. (Could be wrong tho)

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       1. And now a bunch of people are posting Harper social media posts where he’s saying a lot of really really nice things about San Fran . . . Be prepared guys. We might be left there with our baseball bat in our hand. Looking more and more like the JRT trade wasn’t to supplement a future get but was the get.
          Praying I’m wrong.

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          1. Ehhh … money talks. It hate to believe it, but in terms of professional sports, it has held true for 90% of the FA signings. Of course there are exceptions, but that is more for players chasing a championship in elder days or coming “home” when the money is comparable.

             I don’t think both are in that boat. In fact both parties have come out and said they are basically looking for the most money. I just can’t see them both saying “No” to the money, it would basically be unprecendented … and in the wrong direct for MLBPA. Don’t forget the power of money, it will have the final say in at least one of these players final destination. The Phillies have an owner with tons of cash, willing to spend.

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       2. Eric D….watch it boy!
          You are looking to be banned on this site with that heresy talk! 🙂

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          1. Actually, the guy “looking to be banned” is the guy spinning stories that y’all are falling for.

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    2. CalD…close….. quote was somthing like ‘Middleton was Steinbrenner South”
       https://www.philliedelphia.com/2014/12/former-phillies-shortstop-jimmy-rollins-john-middleton-wants-to-be-steinbrenner-south.html

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    3. Mr. Dreamer … whther the Phillies have to go as high as 325 million or not (and I have no idea if i will take that much to land Harper), I believe Middleton has already built a strong relationship with Boras. He signed Arrieta. He’ll treat Hoskins well. And, he’ll give Harper more guaranteed money than any other team.
       The next agent Middleton will look to have a great relationship with is Craig Landis. He’s got just one client. He’s the best player in the game, and the real apple of Middleton’s eye.

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       1. Hinkie – Generally, I agree with you, and always look forward to your posts. The only person on Earth who has a strong relationship with Boras is Boras. He would stab Middleton in the back for one more nickel in his pocket. Maybe his end game is to get even with Middleton for making him look like a fool last year (Arrieta).

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          1. How did Middleton make Boras look like a fool? He gave Arrieta $75 million over three years!

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23. Manny Machado posted a pic of baby shoes that say Sox….

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    1. He has a 1 year old nephew whose dad plays for the Sox.

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24. The shoes are Yonder Alonso’s babies shoes and were posted by Machado’s wife. And in the FWIW Dept….my best friend still lives the San Francisco Bay Area and is as big a Giants fan as we are Phillies phans. I just texted him and asked him if he thinks Harper is going to SF and his exact reply was “there is no way in hell Harper would come to SF with the team in its dreadful state of being.” He thinks its Boras doing Boras things as a ploy to get other teams to pony up.

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    1. ah now that makes sense

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25. I heard MM was wearing white underwear the other day. does that means he’s signing with the whitesox?
    these guys need to sign before we all lose our minds

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    1. This Boras is really upsetting the MLB apple-cart this off season…now some of the players are getting pissed.

       Justin Verlander
       ✔
       @JustinVerlander
       100 or so free agents left unsigned. System is broken. They blame “rebuilding” but that’s BS. You’re telling me you couldn’t sign Bryce or Manny for 10 years and go from there? Seems like a good place to start a rebuild to me. 26-36 is a great performance window too.

       9,154
       12:38 PM – Feb 11, 2019

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       1. Apparently Verlander knows as much about negotiating as his wife knows about baseball.

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    2. Maybe the Browns?

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26. I went to drop a big bet on the Phils at +400 and the odds already changed to Phillies +150, giants +225, padres +250. So clearly it was clickbait.

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    1. Ok so you can bet on them? For some reason I remember reading an article that didn’t allow betting on FA destinations.

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       1. I didn’t actually try but clearly it wasn’t a truly legit number since it changed so fast

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    2. Ok so you can bet on it? For some reason I remember reading somewhere that you can’t bet on FA destinations. 🤷🏼‍♂️

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       1. Odds are on the move already.

          The Phillies are now the +150 favorite to sign Harper. https://t.co/bkaxj9igpW

          — Odds Shark (@OddsShark) February 11, 2019

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          1. It’s crazy the games Vegas is playing

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27. USA likes Phillies and Machado as a good fit:
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2019/02/11/manny-machado-phillies-mlb-free-agent/2835507002/

    I think MacPhail and Klentak want to do business with Machado again, and Middleton wants Harper.
    The irony of it…MacPhail worked Manny’s initial MLB signing bonus/contract with Bioras as Manny’s agent in 2010. Then Manny replaced Boras a few years later with Dan Lozano and MVP.

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    1. Agree, Romus. MacKlentak had wanted (and I believe had convinced Middleton on) Manny Machado. They had manipulated their payrolls for the last few years in anticipation of adding Manny. Things went sideways after Machado’s “Johnny Hustle” comments. Middleton became worried that Phillies fans were no longer wowed with Manny. In addition (probably more importantly), Middleton knows Bryce Harper is a bigger attraction. I believe, in the end, the PR impact is the reason John Middleton outbids everyone for Harper. Hopefully, it gets done this week, and then we can focus on Mike Trout !!!

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       1. Agree…..time to get it done.

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       2. Thumb screws, waterboarding, sleep deprivation and….the MLB off season.

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    2. The Phillies decision makers have always been split between Harper and Machado. They will sign whom Middleton wants because he gets more votes than there are people in the room.

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28. Thumb screws, waterboarding, sleep deprivation….the MLB off season.

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29. Thumb screws, waterboarding, sleep deprivation…and the MLB off season.

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    1. I see the stress of it all has made your stuttering return.

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       1. Sorry for the repetitive posts…technical problem on my end. Not sure what I did….

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       2. ROMUS ——-now that was funny !!! really funny !!!! stuttering comment.

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30. Thumb screws, waterboarding, sleep deprivation and….the MLB off season.

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31. Let’s look at it from a different perspective. Under Klentak, we have been very quiet about any moves that we make. Cutch came out of the blue, as did the Segura trade and the signing of Robertson. We were completely out on JTR, the Reds were closing in on a deal, then we were in, and hours later we had him. What if they pivot and sign Machado to the $300 Million contract? I find it hard to believe that there has been zero buzz about us and Machado, when before all this started, the relationship with some of our FO and Machado and his Agent was supposed to be a factor. The WSox offer is nothing compared to what we could pay, yet all the rumors are about Harper. All outside rumors, too, nothing from our local guys except Phils expect to sign one.” I am just raising it because I am so tired of waiting and I can’t believe Machado gets $100 Million less than Harper.

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    1. Sounds like 3 things are playing out 1) Phillies keeping the highest offer hush hush so they don’t bid against themselves, 2) a possible extension for Arenado, which effects MM the most, and 3) The comments and lack of perceived hustle has shrunk the number of years teams are willing to offer.

       The Phillies are the ones dragging this out imo now. Finish line is in sight and they just need to keep theirs max offer to their chest so they don’t over pay/bid against themselves.

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32. Sorry for my multiple posts – technical problems on my end.

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33. Nats couldn’t win with Harper so if they win this year it would not look good. BH might sign with Phillies so they win with him and Nats cant win without him.

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34. I know that Medina is our next top SP prospect, then Spencer Howard and JoJo and Morales. With Sixto gone, I don’t think we have one with a #1 SP upside, but who has the best stuff? I know we rank them for different reasons, their stuff, proximity to the Majors, upside, etc., but who has the best pure stuff, closest to what Sixto has with his FB/command combo?

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    1. From what I’ve seen from game footage,it’s between Medina and Howard. I like Irvin,Morales, and Gowdys stuff as well. I haven’t seen enough of DLS, but when I did, I was more impressed with sixto/Medina/Howard/Irvin/&Gowdy

       I see Howard climbing pretty fast. His stuff plays well. FB sitting at 95-97mph, changeup drops to 82. He pitched a No hitter …. in a playoff game … that he was just promoted to. Very nice feater in his cap. I believe that was do to his stuff. I can see him being in contention for the top prospect in the system at midseason if he continues his arch.

       Right now, I’d say Medina, not a cop out, has what looks like 4 pitches, within some pretty crazy movement, all seem decently developed. I’d put Howard right behind him for now for the reasons above.

       Btw… I remember when this answer used to be Vicente Padilla! Very frustrating talent for sure.

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       1. And don’t forget Medina was selected to the Futures game for the World team last summer.
          Perhaps Spencer Howard gets the same selection for the US team this summer.

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          1. IMO … Medina has the best “stuff”. I’ve felt his “stuff” was even better than Sixto’s. In fact, to me, Of every arm in the Phillies organization, only Aaron Nola (and maybe Jake Arrieta) make the ball move more than Adonis Medina. When he refines his control, Medina will be a fixture in the Phillies rotation for years.

             Filthy cold Medina!
             Look at this pitch from #Phillies No. 2 prospect Adonis Medina in today's #FuturesGame. https://t.co/MRwrPasLmV pic.twitter.com/MayBJPN3Pn

             — MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 16, 2018

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       2. Tac – What have you seen of Gowdy.

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          1. @WaWa – Just from his “Perfect Game” appearance and other vids. Nothing live, Obviously he has been hurt, but the videos out there and preinjury reports make me bullish on him. My viewpoint on his “stuff” comes from watching this game too many times over the years. Let’s call it a non-professional scouts eye 🙂 Obviously he needs to heal up, but his pitches preinjury just pass the eye test for me at the HS level. Let’s hope he can, he would be a nice boost to the system/team or tradebait. Will find out soon enough.

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    2. I think we get a little too hung up on the #1 label. Obviously having more talent is better, but Nola was projected as a #3 and Hamels was projected as a #2.

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    3. matt – You, and everybody else seems to forget that De Los Santos, Eshelman, Irvin, and Suarez could all take a step up this year. Irvin, was the pitcher of the year last year in the Int’l league. Forget about stuff and ask yourself “Who has had the most success at the highest levels”? I love the starters at the lower levels, but they’ve proven nothing yet.

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35. FWIW it looks like Harper is taking a flight somewhere….according to his instagram story…..,maybe a late night flight so no one sees him coming in…

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    1. Middleton’s private jet?

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       1. Tac3…..too noticeable…P branded with Phillies red-striping .
          

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    2. TrollU…..interesting, he is taking the late night out from Vegas.
       But doesn’t everybody take a red-eye out of Vegas!

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       1. Well, my initial thoughts are that it’s nothing. You’d think if it was for a meeting, they’d send the private jet. The hysteria on the plane would be nuts imo. Imagine a direct flight LAS to PHL … and BH is in first class… or walking through phl int? Yeah …

          Really you’d think Boras could throw him a bone for a flight on a private jet if needed.

          This goes in the flash alarm category for me, but damn I hope I’m wrong.

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          1. Well he did it with Jake Arrieta …see pix above…last year into Clearwater.
             Tomorrow is the JTR presser in Clearwater.
             Wednesday maybe Harper! 🙂

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             1. I think Howard and Medina are going to make people forget about sixto soon enough. The kicker would be if Gowdy can fully recover, beat the odds, and bring his “stuff” to the big club. Then shipping off sixto won’t be so bad, even if he develops Also, if the FO can pluck a gem out of this draft, it’ll go a long way

                FO and their scouts will be on the hook this year. This is closest we should be getting to such a high pick pick for the foreseeable future, they need to nail the last wave of the “rebuild”

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36. Kudos to Jim Peyton mentioned by Amy Fadool tonight on CSN Sportsnet

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    1. Yeah, I just heard about this. I’ll post further down about it.

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37. Again, FWIW Dept…Shadow repeating what he has said all along. If/When the Phillies sign one of the two, they will take a peak at the other one and offer a shorter deal [say 5 years with opt outs after 2]. They simply are afraid to go 8-10 years on both of them but have no problem doing it for one. Apparently the Phils have never been opposed
    to signing both but with Trout coming up in 2 years [and our esteemed Hinkie is hearing the same thing as Shadow is] they do not want to completely cramp their salary structure before that, thus the smaller deal with a 2 year out making sense.

    Shadow also decided, based on what he knows, to play the Vegas odds game and here is what he wrote…for Harper, -200 Phillies
    + 200 Nats
    +800 White Sox
    + 800 Padres
    +1000 Giants
    +1400 Dodgers and Yankees

    And for Machado…………………Even money, White Sox
    + 200 Phillies
    +600 Padres
    +800 Yankees
    + 1200 Dodgers

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    1. As the saying goes…..the Shadow knows!

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    2. Okay. Who are these guys and, more important, where do they post.

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38. Bryce checking out a Phillies fans IG story
    https://mobile.twitter.com/branded_sports/status/1095102057307140096

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39. My barber’s divorce attorney has a love child that dresses up as Spider Man on Las Vegas Blvd and apparently one of his buddies overheard Bryce Harper say he is going “to play for a team in pinstripes because it’ll make my butt look good.” I’ll let you know what else I hear as updates pour in.

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40. Nightingale says two team race for Harper; giants and Phillies. Says it’s a toss up on where Harper goes. Take short term deal, 6 for $180mil or take long term deal.

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    1. A short-term, 6-year deal would be his last contract. Have you noticed how barren the market is for 32-year old corner outfielders? Or more likely a first baseman? He will never recoup the money he leaves on the table with this type of contract.

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       1. I agree. Just relaying Mr Nightengales quotes.

          Harper would be sacrificing wins and stats if he went to SF

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41. Maybe Bryce will pop up from behind the dais as JTR is introduced, helping him put on his jersey. Then a video screen behind them will show an updated trailer of MLB The Show with Harper wearing the P on his red cap. And then, maybe not….

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42. Jim, I mentioned previously here that they post on Backshegoes, a popular Phillie site with many long time Phillie posters, some of whom post here. And, as I said previously, they are considered very credible on a site [like this one] that doesn’t suffer fools lightly. They have been posting updates as they get them and one thing worth noting is that we will all know how correct they are quite soon. I tend to be quite conservative in what I read and who I believe and they have had the ring of credibility and accuracy all along.

    Neither believes the Giants are a threat, and Shadow says the Phillies are only concerned about the Nats. I am always careful to suggest what it is that they report vs what I believe. It is interesting that so much of what they say falls in line with what Hinkie has been saying for months, that they will get one of the two. Shadow says the Phils have never eliminated the possibility of getting both IF the price is right and indicated today that if/when the Phils sign one, they may pursue a short term [5 year] deal with the other one, with an opt out after 2 years.

    My contributions have mostly been about my views on Boras, a guy I have been following since the early 80’s. I have tried to keep my posts timely and informative, to keep the conversation moving forward. Hope this helps.

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    1. Now I’ll be refreshing that site for updates. Looks like the last comment is about payroll being at $130mil if I’m following the right forum.

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    2. Mr. Dreamer … I don’t think Jim is upset about your posts. It’s probably more of a curiosity thing. Jim can correct me if I’m wrong.
       Personally, I appreciate all the info (and opinions) other posters can contribute.

       On another note … I spent a lot of time in my car tonight. Of course I had the radio on. It is absolutely amazing how many people are freaking out/worried that Middleton will miss out on both Harper and Machado. That just isn’t going to happen.

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43. I posted this on Twitter this morning.

    Photo of the day: Nola pitching, Hoskins in the box, and Realmuto catching. pic.twitter.com/BjFt8gZdz4

    — jim peyton (@jimpeyton19) February 11, 2019

    Somehow it went from my small following to Amy Fadool on CSN Sports and an Instagram account by Branded Sports (liked by BH).
    A friend sent my wife grainy video of the Fadool segmant. It was cool to hear my name and Phuture Phillies on a local Phillies outlet, as well as my Twitter handle and photo caption.

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    1. That’s awesome, Jim.
       Keep the pics and the info coming.

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       1. Jim,

          As for your comment of the other day that the Phillies don’t quite consider you a sports writer, they might be right. You’re more than a sportswriter. You are a facilitator in a way no sportswriter can be. You are more important than a sportswriter. I think that’s true for many for the prospects and their families and, I suspect, the Phillies understand, respect and appreciate that. You provide a service that is very important to the Phillies. They can’t provide it on their own given their built-in conflicts of interest. But it sure is in the club’s best interest to have a site like this and I’m sure they know it.

          Most important, we fans LOVE PhuturePhillies because of what you make it.

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44. back in the middle of this thread, RG mentions that he doesn’t think the union or Boras will allow harper to take a discounted amount of money to play in a city he would want to. Good Point. what is free agency really? if harper wanted to play in a certain place, it looks like he can’t. he has to take the most money and is that really him being free to go where he wants to go? He has to please his agent before himself? he and machado will have more money than they will know what to do with. why not let them pick where they want to go. doesn’t seem to free to me. i’d love to have them both and still pulling for it, but it seems their choice is made with the most money. am i way off base here?

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    1. Interesting view, when you get down to it… being the best FA in years doesn’t allow you to really be a “free” agent. The exception would be if Harper really want to go to the place that offered the most. Money is power, and so is the MLBPA. They will clear their muscles to make sure harper doesnt take a discount, it affects the rest of the players, as his contract
       Helps reset the market. Another strong reason to believe he is Philly bound. Let the media be the media, spreading rumors. Logic says BH to Philly.

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45. And “free” or not, why would one player (or two) hold up the works for four painstaking months only to settle for much much less money to play for the next best thing. Harper originally wanted LAD (and ideally still does, we presume). Now SF comes along with a far cry consolation package for him to sign for? I don’t think so. Boras would have wasted a lot of time (and quite an opportunity!) while keeping many other free agents waiting, and for what? So Harper can pick a team in need of rebuilding at a pitcher’s ballpark simply because he likes the town better. He could have done that back in December.

    He’s coming to Philadelphia. And if he doesn’t like it now, he will in a matter of months. Here, Bryce – you can use my pen to sign.

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    1. John Stolnis pointed this out on twitter
       Harper’s stats in Philadelphia:

       50 games: .930 OPS 14 HRs

       Harper’s stats in San Francisco:

       19 games, .588 OPS 2 HRs

       More reason to come to the Phillies

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       1. TrollU – is day that is a pretty convincing argument in PHI vs SF decision, especially if you’re taking a storter term, high AAV deal for 5-6 years. Good luck on your next contract with depressed stats. His agent won’t be able to sell the “marketing/business” side that BH has now for extra dough, that will have faded with the stats too.

          To add on to this, MLB has a great article, ranking top 10 players at each position in baseball. Harper wants – record deal and he is not even in the top 3 for RFs. And if you ranked the top 10 OF, he probably wouldn’t make the list!

          https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/mlb-network-2019-best-players-at-each-position/c-264680678

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          1. Apologies to all, bitten by autocorrect again. It is relentless!

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          2. Tac3, I guess that’s your way of saying be careful of what we wish for. Agree but signing Harper has more to do with the peripheral impact he will have off the diamond. Dugout, clubhouse, ticket booth, retail stores. A name (or should I say brand?) goes a long way in today’s world.

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             1. Yup, just amazing how that works. Seems like the players above him should be developing their brand so to speak. It is what it is.

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46. I don’t understand the view that the Player’s Association has any say in where one of these guys signs. What, exactly, can they do if Harper, for instance, leaves a 9 year $333 Million contract from us on the table to take 10 and $305 from the Nats? I am not starting the negative stuff again, but simply from the MLBPA side, they can’t do a thing. Boras wants to break the record, and Harper may as well. But, there may be valid reasons that a player making that kind of money gives up $25 Million to be in a place he likes more. I have no idea what happens, and I know there are very few times that $ hasn’t ruled, but how many $300 Million contracts have there been that we can go by?

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    1. matt13…agree….Tony Clark and MLBPA all they can do is ‘voice their displeasure and their opinion’…..rolls off the back of Boras and agents.
       Maybe send out a letter to all 30 plus team player reps..Hoskins I think is the Phillies this year again…Leiter was it last spring…..and in the letter remind the players to aid the membership by pursuing the highest monetary compensation as possible for the benefit of the rank and file….but thats about it.

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    2. Matt, it’s like if you grew up in an affluent family. Mom and dad expect their daughter to marry a doctor. If she doesn’t, she’s still their daughter, but they make sure she feels like she disappointed them. The union can’t do anything, per se. But it’s a bad blood issue. Not sure if Harper cares or not. Most people are affected by the unspoken rule, however, right or wrong.

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47. Harper isnt going to SD or SFG, those are pitcher parks……its all about putting pressure on Phillies(Middleton) to up their offer.

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    1. Absolutely agree with Eagleye5. As I mentioned above, I spent a lot of time in my car last night. My head was going to explode listening to sports radio. Everybody was freaking out/worried that the Phillies would miss out on both Harper and Machado. That’s not going to happen.

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    2. If Machado and/or Harper sign with us, how long will it be until we only talk baseball abd not contracts or the process that it took?

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48. Put this in the fwiw category and perhaps a hint that Washington is out

    RMNB
    RMNB
    @russianmachine
    Bryce Harper unfollowed Capitals players on Twitter. Tom Wilson: “I don’t know if that’s writing on the wall or what.”

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    1. But I don’t see him following Rhys anymore. He’s just following trout out of the baseball players. Who knows

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49. According to my source #Yankees's offer is low compared to what Manny Machado is seeking.#ZDigital #ZDeportes @z101digital @ZDeportes

    — Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) February 12, 2019

    I’m thinking the NYY’s know the Phillies are going to sign Harper so they have now decided to make a move on Machado because outbidding the CWS (for Manny) is a more realistic proposition than outbidding Middleton.

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    1. Hinkie….who do you prefer?
       Machado or Harper?
       Or it makes no difference just get one..

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       1. I would obviously take either. However, I prefer Harper. Would eventually love to see a Phillies lineup featuring Trout-Harper-Hoskins !!! What fun that would be !!!

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50. In a vacuum I prefer Machado. I just think he is a better all around player at a more premium position and at a cheaper price. However, the Phillies lineup has become so RH heavy they really need a middle of the order LH bat.

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    1. And that’s where Machado and Cozens come in.

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       1. Lol, let’s just say expecting a rookie who had an OPS+ of 52 and struck out over 50% of his plate appearances to bat in the middle of a veteran lineup is a bit of a talk order.

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          1. Let’s start out batting 8th and end up in middle of lineup by September.

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51. Interesting article in the NY Post today about the Phillies. A betting corporation in Las Vegas called VSiN said that the Yankees are the sexiest pick right now BUT many bettors are ready to bet on the Phillies in anticipation that they are going to get either Harper or Machado.

    Josh Towers, the former major league hurler, who works for VSiN said that getting Realmuto makes the Phils a very strong club and he suggests that if they get Harper or Machado they could soon become one of the favorites to win the NL. Apparently the company will put out its win predictions on Sunday but said that just on getting Realmuto the Phils have jumped from 84 to 87 wins and Harper/Machado would push them into the 90’s.

    VSiN said that if/when the Phils sign one or the other, and it seems to suggest it will be Harper, they and the Yankees could be the most interesting and fascinating teams to follow this year.

    Maybe its just me but there does seem to be a groundswell shaking that this could be the week that all this drama ends. By the way, I am like Hinkie here…would take either one but I want Harper. He fits the lineup to a tee, would form with Hoskins a great middle of the order, and has that “it” power that the Phils have not had since 2012.

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52. Aron- I agree with you. The left handed bat is much better for balance – albeit, one could argue that MM plays a gold glove 3B – solidifying the defense further – and Nick Williams bat in RF would answer the left sided need. Give up defense/get defense. I believe MM is the better baseball player (all around) but he does have his warts. I would think either player would bat third in a Phillies lineup ?

    How surprising would it be if MM all of a sudden says to Phils – let’s do it ! What does Boras and Harper do then ?

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    1. Williams is definitely the alternative at this point but it would be tough to justify batting him (or Herrera) between Machado-Hoskins-Realmuto.

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53. Won’t be hearing anything today in regards to closure of the Harper sweepstakes. This is per the infamous 702.

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54. Now I can’t speak for 702 here but my guess is that the Phils are planning today to be about Realmuto and his press conference. If/when they sign MM or Harper they would want it to be on a day when they are not introducing someone else. Doesn’t mean there won’t be questions that Klentak will have to dodge regarding the two stars.

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55. Hello, J.T. Realmuto.

    From the first day of Phillies camp, their biggest acquisition (thus far) is taking BP and impressing manager Gabe Kapler, who’s leaning up against the cage. (h/t producer @FraneyESPN and photographer Jose Collazo) pic.twitter.com/R6pdrXQPpF

    — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 12, 2019

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    1. I bet in MIA’s camp, Alfaro is swing through pitches like that 🙂

       Anyways, great to see. Appreciate the feed. This team
       Is already exciting to me but adding BH
       Or MM takes it to a pretty insane level, coming from where they ended 18’

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       1. Tac3…adding BH or MM to the Phillies ..could be like the 2004 Eagles camp with TO…insanity at its peak level.

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56. If the FO doesn’t land anymore players, is this team in WC contention as presently constructed?

    I think we should be fine with Franco over Mous, but not MM
    The OF can improve even without Harper. Altherr or Williams could step up with Haseley potentially knocking on the doors this year. Plus, Cozens or quinn could surprise

    Kingery could take a big step forward that help ignite the offense, making a team minus BH\MM better

    Hoskins could continue to improve, moving closer to being one of the top 1B in the league. Add in Realmuto who I expect to have about a 20% increase in stats, is going to have a hellva year for any player, let alone a Catcher.

    The SP, all 2-5 with another year under their belts, not have second have slumps, if so will have DLS,Irvin, and Eichhoff to replace… possibly Medina in the 2nd half? Again, throw in Realmuto, his game calling should improve the staff stats

    The bullpen should be good to go imo. Bench should be decent as well with Quinn,Kingery,Cozens, and Knapp.

    I still think they get one of the 2, but just seeing where we think the Phillies are vs the East and rest of NL.

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    1. You do realize that there’s no way everything goes right, right? If half of what you’ve proposed goes well, that would be a good outcome. And no, I don’t think that’s enough to make the playoffs. The other three teams are all better than us. If we can sign one of the big two, our team would then make it an even fight. We’ll have a chance then depending on our starting pitching.

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       1. Adding Cutch, Segura, Harper and Realmuto – overturning half the starting lineup, puts the Phillies in position for playoff contention. Adding Robertson makes an already solid bullpen even deeper. Another SP at the deadline will make us as formidable as any NL club.

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       2. Adding Cutch, Segura. Harper and JTR turns half the starting lineup over. Adding Robertson to the bullpen makes it even deeper. Add a SP at the deadline and we are as formidable as any NL club, and playoff bound.

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          1. Here goes my stuttering again. Happens when I get excited and also when I’m having problems with my handle and email address not staying saved.

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             1. 8mark…….your device needs counseling

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       3. Murray, of course. They will have bumps, but they should have a fighters chance at the WC presently constructed. I think the bullpen can be a real strength this year. What makes me have higher expectations is how the team played against the NL Central,West,&INT playblast year. If they can hold their own against the Nats,Mets,and Braves, they should be in the running. I expect the SP to be more even keeled over the year vs the j&h outcome from last year. Will see, I was bullish on them last year, and they just crapped out the last 2 months. Need to smooth that out and the WC should be achievable.

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          1. My concern is that lots of teams improved. I hope our starting pitching will be better but have you looked at the other rotations? We need to hit to win.

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             1. I hear you, keep in mind it is a different dynamic this year. 4 of the top NL teams are in the same division. That could play out a few different ways. I see 3 of the teams in the hunt for the WCs. Also, they faced those rotations last year with a weaker lineup, albeit not the new addition of Corbin. The boost in firepower should helps. Even with the Mets SP, the teams went 11-8 for the season. The Mets SP should’nt get the benefit of 2 dead outs in Kingery and the pitcher this year. I could extend that to Alfaro and Herrera at times. They all got better and so did the Phillies. I like their chances

                The players should be pumped for inter division games. They will have the feel of playoff baseball early on imo, can only help for the focus needed outside the division games.

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                1. I think the Mets are decent yet overrated and still susceptible to injury to their otherwise impressive rotation.

                   The Braves SPs are questionable. A lot of ?s throughout their lineup.

                   It’ll be us vs the Nats for top spot should either Harper or Machado sign with PHI. Pitching will be the difference. Our bullpen vs their rotation.

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57. Per Jon Heyman – despite rumored offers/wishes of teams, word is Bryce Harper is not signing – or even considering – short-term deals.

    Guess we put this in the FWIW category but it echoes pretty much what everyone on here and Jim has said.

    Well Giants were short term (and supposedly its down to them and Phillies)…..soooo I guess that leaves Phillies.

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    1. Yes. FA’s always want the most guaranteed money. The Phillies will be offering that. I think it’s just a matter of structuring how the money is paid out (contract should be front loaded) and where the opt outs (or opt ins) are given.

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58. And if it came from Heyman, that means he got it from Boras. Despite all the Boras frustrations he is actually doing what he always does. He will wait and wait, talk to owners he has done business with before, put out rumors that he KNOWS the teams won’t deny, and always decide to talk to teams right when the publicity will garner the largest response.

    I do not think it was coincidence that he talked Harper to the Padres and Giants right BEFORE their Fanfests, this was a guaranteed publicity winner. And let’s face it, this was good publicity for the Padres and Giants also, the fans at the FanFest were excited, engaged and more important to the teams, ready to purchase tickets to their teams games.

    In fact, it was reported last week that on that day when it was rumored that the Phils had signed Harper, the Phils got several people purchasing season tickets simply based on the rumor.

    Boras being Boras, he may still have one more trick up his sleeve, wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to engage the Yankees or Dodgers one more time sine he KNOWS these are likely the two teams that Middleton fears the most.

    I believe whats happening now is the determination of just what Boras can get from the Phils. He likely knows that 9/360 is gone but still wants to beat Stanton’s deal. I still believe the Phils will accommodate him in some way that makes Boras look like the winner. Harper and Boras will then sit next to Middleton at a press conference and wax poetic about much they wanted to join the Phillies. Phils win here.

    Its a win-win for both Boras and the Phillies. Am I sure this will happen? No. Do I believe this is very much the way Boras operates? Absolutely.

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    1. Good insights CD. Your helping to understand the way snakes travel! Boras is something else, I can’t wait until he final says “it’s time”

       I have a feeling the announcement is Thursday. Just a hunch on my part. I don’t think the big clubs (NYY/LAD) are going to play his game the way they usually would. All FO are probably tired of the shenanigans. Only team left I could see if LAA, trying to drive the price up to make it harder for them to steal Trout away.

       Let it be over soon.

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59. Wouldnt be shocked if there was info leaked regarding Harper before the 4pm press conference.

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60. First, as things stand, I don’t think we are a WC team. And, I am very happy with every move we made. Even though I loved the idea of Sixto being the next Pedro, it was a dream, and one years away from happening, if ever. We are much better in our every day lineup. I think our BP is really good, and if Nicasio has anything, and the reports of Pazos being a really nice addition from the Seattle trade, our BP can be a weapon. But, we still need too many other things to break right, and like Murray said, they don’t ever all happen. I think we are going to need another SP, and we still have to have that middle of the lineup bat. I just don’t know about Williams. I don’t trust Herrera, and we can, maybe, win 85 games, certainly better than last year, I think we need one of the two to make the Playoffs.

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    1. Agreed, and then we’ll still need other players to step up their games.

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61. Have heard reported offer of 250M for 8 yrs for Machado by White Sox isn’t right. May or may not be close, but guess would be that at least today it’s a bit lower. Higher than 175 but lower than 250. At least at moment. (So yes, we still don’t have facts, just educated guesses.)

    — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 12, 2019

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62. The thing is that Harper makes the entire lineup better, great power hitters always do! For instance, I can see Franco improving leaps and bounds if he is no longer one of the main offensive threats but instead is no better than the 6th-7th best hitter in the lineup. In fact, if they sign Harper, I hope they keep Franco [unless they miraculously sign MM], he is still only 26 years old and improved appreciably last season.

    If/when they sign Harper they will have added 3 All-Star players to their lineup…Segura, Realmuto and Harper. This is almost unheard of…literally turning over 3/8 of their every day lineup with not just good players [guys like Santana and yes, McCutchen] but VERY good players and guys that will be playing in a ball park tailored entirely for them.

    I read it somewhere [maybe here!!!] that Harper wants to hit 700 home runs and this would seem to eliminate San Francisco and San Diego, who play in parks better fitted for the National Parks Services than the National League. He HAS to know that Philadelphia can do an awful lot for his career, and I suspect our old friend Jayson Werth has told him what winning is like in the City of Brotherly Love.

    I keep referring to the win-win situation and honestly, there is no better win-win situation for Harper than in joining the Phillies. San Francisco or San Diego? Bad ballparks, bad teams, cities that rank sports about 10th on their list of fun things to care about and cities that will cheer for Harper for about a week and then yawn.

    Washington? I could see him going back there perhaps since he knows them and they know him and they are going to be very good. BUT, he knows, and I am sure Boras has reminded him that if he signs with the Nats, they can say good bye to Rendon since the Nats absolutely cannot pay him AND Harper what they will demand. And it appears that Rendon wants to stay in Washington whereas Harper was talking about free agency almost since he reached drinking age. I think I first heard about it in his 3rd year in Washington.

    One more thing worth considering. It has really struck me that Machado has not yet signed with the White Sox, I have found this odd. What if, and this is just me bantering here, what if the Phillies told MM to hang tight until the Harper negotiations are done either way. Phils could easily have told Machado that A] if Harper doesn’t sign with the Phillies they will transfer much of that money to MM and B] if they do sign Harper they would still like an opportunity to at least MATCH the White Sox offer.

    I have read some people suggest that neither of these players would want to play together but I just think adding Realmuto changed the equation. Good Lord, its obvious the Phillies are one of the only teams in baseball determined to improve this year and win. With Realmuto they will win. With Harper or Machado they will compete for a division title.

    With Harper AND Machado? We are looking at the most interesting and one of the most talented teams in baseball. Again, I go back to the win-win situation. If you are Machado and its December, do the Phillies interest you? A bit. But, if you are Machado and the Phillies have added Segura, McCutchen,Realmuto AND Harper do they interest you???

    I thought so. Let’s see how this plays out.

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    1. Totally on board that ship, CD!

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       1. Jason Werth has told Harper NOT to come to Philly – FYI!

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    2. Jason Werth told Harper NOT to sign with Philly – FYI!

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       1. Why would he tell Harper not to come to Philly?

          Like telling him I just can imagine…..’though the Phillies are offering the most money…don’t take it. They booed you every time you came to town with the Nats’

          Phillies also booed a Red’s player named Pete Rose every time he came to town…..but that stopped after 1979.

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          1. Not saying that Harper wouldn’t sign – but we all know he wants to be on the west coast in LA if he could. He has being doing his research on every situation….I believe Philly is the best option – fyi.

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             1. Yes Harper wants the West Coast….just hope the $$$lure is enough to sway him back East….and not to DC.

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63. Hinkie, hurry – pull up and post Buster Olney’s tweet – today is decision day for Harper. Final offers are IN. Rival GMs believe the Phillies are a lock!

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64. Buster Olney just tweeted that later today Harper’s decision between SF and PHI comes down. Final offers are IN. Rival GMs believe that the Phillies are a lock. Hinkie, can you find that and post it?

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    1. What’s up with my account here? Sabotage?

       Anyway, great news!

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    2. False alarm. Some jerk faked Olney’s account. My apologies.

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       1. 8mark – I see you were duped, it happens. Don’t worry, I won’t jump on you like you have done with me. Not my style.

          I did see a report where Nightengale believes Harper won’t make final decision this week Urgh

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65. Cal-D —- you are batting clean up in my book. Continually good comments and insight. Thanks, again.

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66. Dlite14…please show me where you heard that. I am not saying you are wrong but from what I read when Werth was in Philadelphia recently all he said publicly was that Harper had asked him about Philadelphia and I specifically recall him saying he could not reveal what he told him.

    That said, I do not believe Werth could possibly have bad mouthed Phillies phans for how they treat players while they are in Philadelphia…if they play hard. Harper plays hard. He will be revered in Philadelphia.

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    1. Here is one quote – “Jayson Werth has a big part in Harper not liking Philly.” I heard from word of mouth though.

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       1. “After walking off the field feeling nauseous knowing my wrist was broke and hearing Philly fans yelling ‘You deserve it,’ and, ‘That’s what you get,’ I am motivated to get back quickly and see to it personally those people never walk down Broad Street in celebration again,” Werth wrote. Crossing Broad.

          More Evidence – Werth has mixed feelings about Philly. Plus, we didn’t sign him to a large contract.

          Having issues posting…

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    2. “After walking off the field feeling nauseous knowing my wrist was broke and hearing Philly fans yelling ‘You deserve it,’ and, ‘That’s what you get,’ I am motivated to get back quickly and see to it personally those people never walk down Broad Street in celebration again,” Werth wrote. Crossing Broad.

       More evidence….Werth have mixed feelings about Philly.

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       1. Yeah I actually thought I heard the same thing. That Werth wasn’t very kind when speaking to Harper about Philly.

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          1. I hear how much of a baseball and American history buff Harper is. Especially dead presidents. And the Phillies have more of them than any other team. Along with more than a few Benjamin Franklins. Giving them to whomever wants to sign their John Hancock.

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67. 

    ….dang…Abe came back as MLB Network High Heat’s Chris Russo…the Mad Dog

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    1. That’s my boy!

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    2. Happy birthday to old Abe, right? Or is it George’s? One is today and I believe the other is Feb 20.

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68. Dlite14…with all due respect, mixed feelings and “do not sign with Philadelphia” are not the same thing. And Werth made it clear when he came back to the reunion and got a HUGE ovation that all the animosity was a thing of the past. I am going to venture a guess that Werth may in fact have been a reason that Boras [who represented Werth] and Harper considered Philadelphia in the first place.

    My guess is that if/when Harper signs and has a press conference he will mention Werth as a guy who spoke of how well players are treated as PHILLIES if they play hard and win.

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    1. Yes – Harper will say all the right things. “Werth talked highly of Philly.” And most people will be happy we signed Harper. And Harper will enjoy playing here when he plays well. There is no better city to play hard and do well – the city will love you forever. But we need to be objective and patient. Let things play out. I believe the Phillies are having a great offseason and playing it right to the tee. Please note I am not attacking anyone’s post and spreading any rumors. I was being polite when I said Werth had mixed feelings on Philly. There is no mixed feelings. Some of us have more information on certain players and situations – but do not want to cause any issues. I learned my lesson with my first ever post.

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       1. No problem with me. Don;t stop posting.
          Keep your car gassed on this information highway.

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69. Players always seem to like Philly better after living there; it doesn’t seem very glamorous to visiting players, and word is, Harper also told friends Philly wasn’t his first choice in terms of city. – John Heyman……of course.

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70. Rose was booed, Dykstra was booed………….and then they were loved when signed by the Phils. Werth was booed because he made a sound financial decision that anyone would have made in a heartbeat…………..and then receives a monstrous ovation from the fans at the reunion. The day Harper signs, he will be instantly embraced and loved by the Phillies faithful.

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71. Jim Bowden was just on CBS sports and said he still thinks the Phillies are the best bet to get Harper, not the Giants. And the Giants have been told a short term deal will not do. By the way, a source close to the Giants is reporting that the Giants have not made an offer to Harper, they were simply sending up a trial balloon of 5/150 or 6/180 to see how it would play out.

    Remember, I mentioned that the Giants [as were the Padres] were having their FanFests this past weekend and it was not lost on both the Giants AND Boras that now wouldn’t be a bad time to at least get together and see if there was a fit. Hinkie has been saying [correctly I believe] that most of these teams [Giants, Padres, Yankees, Dodgers] are bargain shopping and would be more than happy to give Harper a short term, high salary deal.

    It appears that only the Phillies and White Sox are not blinking at the 8-10 year deals and perhaps even the Sox are blinking a bit. Look, I have seen enough of Boras to know he never sleeps, always knows how to play teams, and will forever drag things out.

    But one thing he cannot do is force teams to play money they are unwilling to pay. This is the one thing that certainly seems to favor the Phillies. In fact, as much as Middleton has been criticized for his “pay stupid money” comments, IF Harper/Machado eventually sign with the Phillies a good case will be made that Middleton cleared much of the potential field with his comments. Why enter the game if you believe another team is simply going to outscore you regardless of the number of runs you accumulate?

    Precisely what Hinkie has been saying ever since I first visited this site. In fact, the only place where he and I may disagree is that he believes the Phils will only sign one of the two, something in me suggests that Middleton may try and get both of them and worry about Trout when the fishing season starts in two years.

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    1. “Middleton may try and get both of them and worry about Trout when the fishing season starts in two years.”…..cannot see it right now.
       Surely Middleton realizes that Nola Hoskins and now add JT Realmuto will be max contracts in 2/3 years.
       Signing both really negates any flexibility with Trout at approx. $38/40M AAV for any length of time on his contract.

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       1. Nola long term deal? Yes.
          JTR extension? Yes.

          Hoskins? Not so sure. He’s an excellent young player with a bright future BUT he plays a relatively low value defensive position and is much more easily replaceable by another system generated prospect like Hall or Listi or another cheaper major league bat down the road. So if and when the time comes for payroll to be manipulated to fit a huge bat like Trout? Don’t be surprised to see Rhys on the trading block at some point. With controllability as a power 1b/DH, he would bring a nice return in more controllable young talent. Let’s just keep it in mind….

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          1. Lets look at Hoskins.
             —a Boras client to start.
             —controlled thru 2023…his age30 season….FA at 31
             What we know about Boras so far….he prefers his clients to exercise their FA rights…but with Hoskins he is a first baseman and coming out a little older than the optimal age for free agency for a first base only player.

             Boras, I am sure has the foresight to see this…..and may make an exception and try to get the Phillies to get Hoskins extended sometime in arb 2 or 3 thru age 33/35.

             Now trading him will have to occur , with Trout coming in two years…and both Harper and Machado on the books for a total of approx $65/70M combined AAV.
             Nola at $25M AAV plus and JTR @ min $20M AAV…add Trout’s $40M AAV.
             So Hoskins becomes too expensive I assume.

             Now you have to have a demand market to get him moved, from a position like first base….almost what is happening at second base market now..saturation.comes into play. There has to be a need out there……and you are trading him at his prime production years.

             Bottom line…from my initial point….cannot see Middleton signing both Machado and Harper….AND THEN…. also go on to sign Trout.

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             1. the only way that happens if its front loaded for 2 yrs , a longer deal but with a 2 yr opt out assuming that machado will probably opt out and try again for the Yankees. a gamble for us and unlikely but not impossible

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                1. sr…correct…but it is a gamble.
                   The other alternative….is trading one of the two to their favorite location, and eating a percentage of their remaining salary which other teams may find attractive….and in return getting young prospects and players under control.

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             2. I think there is a way. I’ve looked the payroll. Nola basically takes Arrietta money and a young arm is promoted, takes league minimums.
                Bohm replaces either Franco or Hoskins, at league minimum. Haslely or Moniak replaces Herrera or mccutchen.

                Phils can drop over 44mil
                From the books on Herrera, Franco, niasco, Hunter, neshek, And hernadez. Probably more than 44x most of those players have replacements potentially in the minors. Now, offer trout some life long deferred contract like the Nats do everyone…. and it can work with a lineup of

                Segura/Garcia
                Harper
                Trout
                Machado
                Realmuto
                Haseley
                Bohm
                Kingery
                Nola

                Likely? Who knows, because the phillies could decide to trade or not exercise MM or BH contract in favor or trout. If they can sign both, they should. 1- they may not even need trout at that point to be a perennial contender, basically an embArassmen of riches 2- in sure those smarter than me can find a way to make it work
                3- uncertainly of CBA.
                4- If trout wants to be a Phillie, Middleton isn’t going to prevent him from being one.

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                1. Don’t forget besides Nola….2 other high priced starters may have to be added to the mix above….unless the Phillies think they will get a ring with Nola and 3/4 other 2WAR pitchers.

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                2. Tac – I’m sure that PHIL, and the bean counters have it all figured out.

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             3. Need to find a luxury cap wiz. The fines are less savage It you’re only 2 time offender. MIDDLETON can float a two year pentalty.. or should I say mini- Steinbrenner.

                It can be done, as the way the current CBA is. Again, if you add BH and MM to this lineup … you don’t need trout, you want him, but you don’t need him. That’s probably hard to acknowledge, but why would you need him at that point… and they all fit under the luxury tax! Will see, but it’s once in a lifetime … well
                Under the current CBA. Talk about “going for it”

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                1. I agree with you Tac3. It’s mind numbing that we would forgo getting 2 26 y/o old players on HOF tracks today for Trout in 2 years.

                   This expectation that the best player in baseball is still going to be the best player in baseball at age 29 out is risky business. Especially when you don’t know if he would extend.

                   Harper and MM are going to sign and Moreno is going to have those numbers to work off of. If he slides an offer of 8/$320 in front of Mike….Mike would have to think long and hard about all the things that could happen between now and 20/21 FA season.

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                2. DMAR, it probably makes even more sense now that Realmuto is onboard. They may not be able extend him. Hopefully that is not the case, but it is a possible outcome. The opportunity is there now, with a few years of contention. Adding BH,MM,Realmuto,Segura, And McCutchen to Hoskins, Franco, and Herrera is a offseason for the ages. They should go for it not, and worry about crossing that bridge when you’ve already taken a crack at the WS for 2 years.

                   What a transformation that would be, supplemented by the teams best farm system in franchise history. It’s a perfect storm, you need to take your Chance now, especially the way the market has developed. Get Harper, and Machado will follow.

                   This feels like the offensive version of right after The previous regime traded for Halladay… and then traded Lee. To sign both would be the offensive equavialent of keeping both hallsdsy and lee.

                   If Middleton wants his bleeping trophy back … he’ll OK the deals and let the cards fall where they may. Opportunity is knocking, no doubt.

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72. It’s very odd to me Kimbrel and Keuchel and Moustakas are all still just sitting out there. Are they waiting for the Phils to decide what they want to do? Kimbrel on a 3 year deal would be amazing for us. It would keep him away from other good teams too.

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    1. Well two of the three are Boras clients….why does that surprise you?

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73. Romus’ 9/$333 Million gets it done.

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74. With the craziness that comes with FA signees especially with Boras clients, it is more imperative for the Phillies to hit on their Rule 4 draftees and IFA signees to infuse team controlled talents in the pipeline.

    If Boras played hard ball on Hoskins and Jhailyn developed into a player close to his projection, losing Hoskins (via trade or FA) will not hurt that much.

    Talent infusion from the farms is not the most valued commodity for the GMs since these cost controlled talents are good trade assets and they can help keep the budget in check.

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    1. ‘Talent infusion from the farms is not the most valued commodity’….you do mean is NOW and not ‘not’

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       1. @romus – yes, that’s a good catch. I meant to say “NOW” and not “NOT”.

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75. We have to do a much better job than we did in the ’07 to ’11 years in having cost controlled talent to fill in. I can’t worry about 2023, the threshold for the Luxury Tax could be $250 Million by then. I think Rhys, despite being a Boras client, signs a LTC before his time is up under team control. And, I think that should the availability of Trout really come to be, the $ will be there, regardless of anything else going on. I don’t think we get both Machado and Harper, though we may get Harper and Keuchel. Neshek, Hunter, Nicasio and Cesar account for $34 Million. An easy $34 Million that is replaceable. We haven’t touched the first time Luxury Tax exceeder penalty, so we have a long way to go and a lot of $ to spend, making room for Harper, Trout, Nola’s extension, JTR’s extension, Hoskins’ extension, and anything else that we need. We will see a sold out CBP again, and be back among the big market teams, and actually act like we belong there.

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    1. @matt13 – I was onboard for signing one of BH/MM after trying to be fiscally responsible towards the contention window. I believe all that changes with the addition of Realmuto, along with cashing in your potentially best arm chip for that contention window.

       The Phillies could field a starting lineup of all recent/current allstars… how often does that EVER happen? It is there for the taking, “Some me the money”! I gotta believe Klentak sees this, and trusts his scouting/analytic team to draft replacements

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76. Introducing the newest Phillie to wear #10, in the tradition of former team leaders Larry Bowa and the late Dutch Daulton, the best catcher in baseball – JT Realmuto!

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77. Mannys gloves for upcoming season

    https://mobile.twitter.com/RawlingsSports/status/1095428294722404353

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78. Assuming we would sign both BH and MM, how would everyone structure the lineup? I’m thinking…

    1 McCutchen LF
    2 Segura SS
    3 Harper RF
    4 Machado 3B
    5 Hoskins 1B
    6 Herrera CF
    7 Realmuto C
    8 Hernández 2B
    9 Nola P

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    1. Johnny – I would go with:
       1) Hernandez – S
       2) Segura – R
       3) Harper – L
       4) Hoskins – R
       5) Machado – R
       6) Herrera – L
       7) Realmuto – R
       8) Nola – R
       9) McCutchen – R

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    2. My version will be:

       1) SS Segura – R
       2) 3B Machado – R
       3) RF Harper – L
       4) 1B Hoskins – R
       5) C Realmuto – R
       6) CF Herrera – L
       7) LF McCutchen – R
       8) 2B Kingery/Cesar
       9) SP

       There’s no way the Real Deal will bat 7th or Cutch batting 1st. Load the best bats in the top/heart of the order (best bats should be able to handle LH and RH starter) and balance the bottom of the order.

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       1. No use fighting over it boys, remember………..the computer does this!

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       2. I would bat my high contact rate/high OBP guys at the top. Segura would bat 1 or 2. If Herrera shows us improved plate discipline in grapefruit league action, he might lead off. Otherwise JTR bats either 2nd after Segura or 5th/6th after Rhys. Harper would definitely bat BEFORE Manny, either 2-3 or 3-4. I am impressed by 2 particular skills: Bryce’s plate discipline/walk rate and Manny’s high % of hard hit balls (I believe he led MLB in ’18). Hoskins would then bat either cleanup or 5th. The bottom of the lineup, consisting of Cutch, Cesar and Herrera if he’s not at the top (more likely he’s not) is less interchangeable, although batting Cesar 9th to turn the lineup over is a good feature as well. Gabe will naturally tinker, but opening day might look like this…

          1 Segura ss
          2 Harper lf
          3 Machado 3b
          4 Hoskins 1b
          5 Realmuto c
          6 Herrera cf
          7 McCutchen rf
          8 Nola p
          9 Hernandez 2b

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          1. I’m pretty sure Gabe has already said he see Segura hitting in the 2 hole.

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    3. I’d flip Herrera and Realmuto

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79. Realmuto said he was offered numbers 10,38, or 39. Number 10 was listed to the coach Dickerson and nobody has number 11 (JT’s last number as a Marlin). According to the list of retired numbers, 11 is not one of them. Does anyone know anything about it?

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    1. Jimmy Rollins wore 11 and while his number may not ever be retired, he is being honored this year. It’s a matter of respect.

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       1. Bet they’ll retire it. JRoll set the tone when he said they were the team to beat.

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80. Realmuto said at the press conference that he was offered number 10, 38, or 39.

    His last number as a Marlin was 11. The new coach, Dickerson, is listed as #10.

    The Phillies have retired five numbers and 11 is not one of them. I’m curious.

    Does anyone know what is going on in the Phillies organization with the number 11?

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    1. I can think of a former MVP who played SS a few years at CBP who wore no. 11. I’d imagine it will be retired soon enough. 🙂

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81. Listening to his press conference, JTR sounds like fine fellow and genuinely pleased to be with the Phillies.

    There is growing sense that Harper and Machedo are looking find some alternative to coming here, money aside. I know adding them to the lineup should make the Phillies an immediate contender. But I share the hope of others that the development of Haseley, Moniak, Listi, Bohm and possibly Trout could do the same. None of those players would feel they are doing Philadelphia a big favor for being here.

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82. Thank you, 8mark, for that info.

    If the same question comes up again, my bad.

    I wasn’t sure if it had gone through the first time.

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    1. You are welcome, Charlie…I mean ciada.😉

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83. Part of me feels like the Cubs are lurking with Harper. I know what’s been said, but still have a feeling.

    Probably nothing but still my thoughts. Still feel confident after recent events and CDs sources.

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    1. There continues to be skepticism among some of the folks involved in the Giants/Harper conversation that San Francisco would generate the kind of offer that would sway the slugger. More smoke than fire at this point, in eyes of some involved.

       — Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 12, 2019

       “If I had to pick a favorite for Bryce Harper, at this particular minute, I probably would stay with the Philadelphia Phillies.”@JimBowdenGM believes the Phillies – not the San Francisco Giants – are in the best position to sign Harper. pic.twitter.com/6ELUMFuntp

       — CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 12, 2019

       Firstly … IMO, Jim Bowden is the best source for Scott Boras info.

       Secondly … As I’ve posted numerous times, nothing has really changed. The Phillies are still the one serious/desperate team with the financial clout to sign Harper (or Machado) to a long term/big money deal. All the other clubs mentioned for him are bargain hunting.

       Lastly … Nearly every FA in the history of the sport signs for the most guaranteed money offered. Harper/Boras and Machado/Lozano are no different. They all have big egos, and want to set new earnings records. John Middleton needs Bryce Harper to make the Phillies relevant again. Bryce Harper needs John Middleton to make him one of the richest athletes of all time.
       I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I’m more sure tonight than I’ve been since the start of free agency that Bryce Harper will be a Phillie in 2019.

       BTW … there is no chance the Phillies are signing both Harper and Machado. Looks like it will be Harper (IMO) and then we can count down the days until Mike Trout (hopefully) hits the open market.

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       1. Maybe Harper announcement will be tomorrow on St. Valentine’s Day.

          He will talk about how much he loves Philadelphia, his new Team and the fans. This was his first choice but other teams kept “jumping” in and it was his obligation to do his complete due diligence before making such a long-term commitment.

          Now “let’s play ball”.

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          1. Denny – people of Philly would love him for those comments

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       2. Hinkie – I still side with you. I was just thinking of random mystery teams and someone’s comment about. It negotiating through the media.

          Again, just a random thought and not saying the Cubs will sign him.

          That’s all.

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       3. Hopefully Trout will be available in two years. But hopefully is no way to run a baseball team, Hinkie. I want Trout like everyone else. But I can’t cross my fingers and hope for the best baseball player in the world to be here in 2 years.

          ….unless of course someone in a decision making position has tangible knowledge that he has every intention of becoming a free agent with a single desire to play for the Phillies.

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84. I see that Boston is trying to unload one of its catchers for pitching help, either starter or reliever. Sandy Leon would be the best option for the Phillies. Solid defensively. Experienced. Christian Vazquez is the Sox’s number one with Blake Swihart (remember him?) still trying to establish himself as a major leaguer. We have plenty of decent arms to acquire a back up veteran C. I would offer Tommy Hunter and Adam Morgan. Maybe kick in some cash to cover Hunter’s salary.

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    1. In a perfect world we wouldn’t have to kick in any cash. But it’s not a perfect world.
       I agree Leon would be a solid back up.
       Does that leave Knapp in the minors or trade bait or released?

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    2. For Sandy Leon? Huge overpay. Morgan alone is too much. With Realmuto, I think Knapp will now be fine.

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       1. Agree. The Phillies like Knapp for all the intangibles he brings.

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85. Three-fifths of the Phillies’ starting rotation make CBS Sports.com’s 7 players ready to break out in MLB this season.
    https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-breakout-brigade-seven-ballplayers-ready-to-emerge-as-legitimate-difference-makers-in-2019/

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    1. Hinkie, I think they are saying that one of the 3 will likely take a step forward this year. So they lumped them together. My money is on Pivetta. Eflin is a valuable trade chip (maybe to SD in a Franco for Strahm deal?). Velasquez just no longer moves me since he’s no longer Vinny Velo. I certainly hope they begin his transition to the bullpen sooner than later.

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    2. Hinkie, I think they lumped the 3 together figuring one was bound to breakout. My money is on Pivetta. Eflin should be a valuable trade chip, perhaps in a Franco to SD deal for Strahm plus. Velasquez has lost his luster in my eyes since he’s no longer Vinny Velo.

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       1. I agree

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       2. There are 7 players including the 3 phillies. They are definitely not lumping them together.

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          1. It’s a top seven list. Pivetta, Eflin, and VV are listed as three of the seven to break out. Each one got their own write up for why they could/should break out. Maybe it’s just me (and A.), but I see that as three different Phillie SP’s predicted to break out.

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    3. Pivetta has been a very sexy pick as Breakout Candidate by national outlets which I tend to agree. A breakout as a legit #3 will be crucial to the Phillies success.

       Eflin can also breakout but not as a top arm but as a reliable back end starter who can start at least 25 games averaging 6-7 IPs.

       I don’t see a very good upside on Vinny as a starter anymore. Vinny’s pitch efficiency is really a problem even as a back end arm. Vinny without his velo is not appealing because he struggles with his pitch count and command.

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86. Throwing a hypothetical out here for you all this morning. Say the Phillies land Harper this week and Middleton turns to Klentak and says I want more, make it happen. After some negotiations, we can either sign Kimbrel (13M aav) and Keuchel (20M aav) for 33M AAV over the next three years or Manny for 33M AAV over the next years. Say in my hypothetical that Manny’s contract is structured so he will most likely opt out after 3 years. Basically ignore the long term and which package makes us a more competitive team to win the WS over the next 3 years – Kimbrel/Keuchel or Manny?

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    1. If it were me Manny hands down. I’m for building murderers row. Pitchers are nice you have to have them but they can only help you once every 5th day. A closer is nice you have to have one but you can usually find one or in the new bull penning era play the match-ups.

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       1. DMAR….Yankees have the their newest version of Murderers Row these past two years…where did it get them vs Stros and Sox pitchers!
          …..pitching and defense for me.

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          1. Red Sox had a team ERA of 3.75 to the Yankee 3.78 and both the Rays and Astros were better.

             Judges time on the IR probably flipped or had an affect on that outcome Romus.

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          2. The Red Sox had a team ERA of 3.75 to the Yankees 3.78 and both the Rays and Astros were better.

             It’s more likely that Judges time on the DL flipped or had an affect on that outcome.

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    2. Not sure what the WAR would say but on a glance, I would take keuchal and kimbrel
       it balances pitching with the improved offense

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87. I think with JTR on board, they’ll stick with kNapp as backup catcher.

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    1. sr…I think you are correct….or at least give Knapp the opportunity to play himself out of that role. Kapler must like the idea that Knapp is a switch-hitter and makes things easier for him against opposing managers’ strategies or the match-ups.

       FWIW…Derek Jeter has hired buddy Jorge Posada to tutor Alf down in Miami.

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       1. Se & Romus – The Phillies really like Knapp a lot.

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88. PhilliesPhan13, In your hypothetical, I say they sign Keuchel.

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    1. You have to pick one side or the other keuchel/kimbrel vs manny. The hypothetical is also not who they most likely sign because I feel like we have talked about that a ton but rather which choice out of those two options makes us a better WS contender in the next 3 years

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       1. Im changing my vote to MM
          over next 3 yrs better chance with him in lineup and trading for pitching /closer than aging keuchal and kimbrel

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    2. Gammons had an odd quote that he doesn’t see us signing Kimbrel because Kapler doesn’t like pitchers who only want to pitch a defined inning and or only 1 inning.

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       1. I view Gammons as the Red Sox mouth piece. He says stuff like that to keep Kimbrel within reach of the Red Sox. (In my biased opinion)

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          1. LOL I’m not a big Gammons fan either obviously I respect is tenure covering baseball.

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    3. Harper and Keuchel both Boras clients, as is Moose. Middleton can write on big check for all. Great sign / agreement with Nola…

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89. Fangraph’s top 130 prospects for 2019 https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2019-top-100-prospects/

    17. Sixto
    44. Medina
    66. Bohm
    67. Howard

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    1. with sixto gone, really need medina and howard to progress and fill 2nd to 4th spots in future rotation

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    2. Let me fix that for ya:

       17. Garcia (ss)
       44. Howard
       66. Medina
       67. Bohm

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       1. I like Garcia but let’s not get ahead of ourselves …

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       2. Yes. Surprised LG didn’t make the list

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90. v1 – I’m interested in your thoughts about Realmuto’s early years minor league performance as compared to his MLB performance

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    1. Good question. I hadn’t looked before. There is nothing remarkable about his offensive stats. He has a good K rate throughout. And a good walk rate. And showed a little pop. But this is all scouting. Nothing in those stats says “best catcher in baseball.” His defensive CS % were also good throughout.

       But the thing with catchers is they develop late. The position is so demanding physically and mentally that it takes time. Far more demanding than any other position.

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91. Nola extension for 4 years, good news for him, us and the team. Harper signing next!!

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    1. It’s all coming together. Those 4 years are the window of contention that we have now entered. With MacHarper on the way, this is developing into quite a roster.

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    2. ….and at $11.25 AAV, that’s quite a bargain. Well done, Klentak.

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    3. Love that the Phillies took care of this before going thru the pain of arbitration. Nola is smart to agree only 4 years, hitting FA when he’s at his peak!!

       Phillies basically bought only 1 year of FA.

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       1. There is a fifth year team option for around $16 million with around a $4 million buy out. Unless he gets injured this it’s a great deal for the Phillies.

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          1. Compare this to what Homer Bailey got in the 2013/14 off season. 6/$105. Bailey was not nearly as good as Mike. This is a real steal.

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             1. Nola not Mike. Autocorrect really doesn’t like Nola.

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          2. This is a very good contract. Buying out two years of FA is huge and these days you really can’t ask for much more than a 5 year window with a player (I’m not sure the Phillies even want more than that).

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       2. This is an excellent deal. Nola gets financial security and if he stays healthy, it’s pretty much a 5 year, $56.75M deal that buys out 2 FA years.

          I wonder if the FA slowdown has contributed to this deal. No matter, the Phillies are benefiting big time.

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92. Anyone else having issues posting this AM? For some reason the site isn’t keeping my email and user name stored (i’m in Chrome) and my posts are experiencing delays.

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    1. Yes, DMAR. Last 2 days have been experiencing an issue.

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93. Same here DMAR, I fugured I did something as I am technologically challenged.

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    1. Try closing the tab, and reopening the site in another tab. That usually works for me when I have any problems here.

       Also … Great job by Matt Klentak and the Phillies by inking Nola to that deal. I think it’s might even be a little bit more team friendly than the one I proposed with catch last season.

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       1. This deal is way better than I thought it would be.

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          1. In August, I proposed a 5 year contract worth 65 million guaranteed dollars (13 million AAV) for Nola. The deal I proposed also would have included two team options at 20 million dollars, so my proposal would have topped out at 7 years/105 million. I came up with those figures based on the contracts signed by Chris Sale and Corey Kluber.
             This contract Nola has agreed to is even more team friendly (4 yrs@45 million guaranteed, with the possibility of 51 million over 5 years). After coming off the season Nola just had, Klentak & Co. did a great job negotiating this deal.
             Who thinks this gets done if Nola uses Scott Boras as his agent?

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             1. Should have said Nola can earn *61 million (not 51 million) over 5 years.

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                1. I was off with my last month projection for Nola’s contract…….thought the Philies would offer 5 plus an option year at $90M,
                   The Phillies made out well…..they should be ashamed of themselves, 🙂

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                2. Romus, that was my thought too. I get it’s a lot of money and Aaron is set for life, but it seems Phils should be paying him more, especially in the buy-out years!. 2nd one is club option for only $16M! What?!

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                3. John K……if he keeps on this same track…..top 3/5 in Cy Young voting for the next two years, which would have been his last two arb years, …..i would think they would need to modify that contract up or add more incentive clauses.

                   Can understand not wanting to set any precedents, but this contract seems so obviously team- friendly one-sided.

                   Now I do not know what the medical reports are on him…..he did have PRP two plus years ago and there may be a shelf-life on that procedure so that may have played a role in the negotiation.

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             2. My hatred for Scott Boras goes all the way back to JD Drew. If Hoskins still has Boras as his agent, Hoskins is not signing with the Phillies as a FA.

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                1. Will know come 2022 arb 2…..Hoskins will be much older (30 )than Nola is now and who knows how productive….Boras normally does not do it….but may have to in this case.
                   Hoskins is a FA in 2024 and will be entering into his FA years in his early 30s

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                2. I doubt Hoskins is a Phillie by 2022. Call it a hunch.

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94. It’s not saving my handle or email address. Have to remember to re-enter it each time I post. I use my Galaxy S8.

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95. I’m happy about the Nola contract extension and that some of the “Middleton’s stupid” money stayed in-house ,

    This is where the Phillies excel—retention of their own players, The players who come up through the system remain loyal to the organization—and vice versa .

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    1. I don’t think this represents any of the “stupid” money. That’s still there.

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96. Even without Machado or Harper, it’s hard to give Klentak anything lower than a A- for this offseason. Every move made a ton of sense and was reasonable, even the Realmuto move that first shocked me, but, ultimately, seemed to fair (if a little scary).

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    1. “seemed to be fair”

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    2. Machado or Harper is not on Klentak, either way. That is Middleton ground. If we don’t get one, he’s on the hot seat. Unless Klentak offended one of them during their visit. But both of them? Na. Johnny Cigars is on it. I give Klentak a straight A on the off season. He’ll get an A+ if he acquires another difference maker via trade.

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97. Hearing Franco has not reported in very good shape. I get hearing that you are constantly in trade talks sux but c’mon man there are 29 other teams out there.

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    1. Sounds like he’s half of his former self meaning he lost weight

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    2. Salisbury disagrees with you vehemently.

       “Maikel Franco is an early arrival in Phillies camp. He is noticeably trimmer and looks strong. Scott Kingery has apparently been in weight room too.”

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       1. Matt Gelb and John Clark both say he lost significant weight, too, for what it’s worth.

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          1. My bad I totally didn’t fully read the post

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             1. Even Doobie came in lighter and toned.
                He was 223 lbs by Sep…212 last month.
                BTW…how does a guy gain weight thru a hot summer, and out the end of a long baseball season!

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                1. Romus … I can’t speak for Doobie, but lot’s of hamburgers and beers usually accomplishes that feat for me.

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                2. Hinkie…..well you still have your sushi right?
                   …. a good healthy nutritional alternative to beer and burgers.

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                3. I do love me some shrimp tempura rolls.

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    3. Salisbury just reported he looks thinner and stronger. Where is your info from?

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    4. DMAR, Franco is noticeably trimmer. He made it across the field to the indoor batting cages before I new who he was and could take a photo. I’ll try and get one tomorrow.

       It’s true about Kingery, too. He looks like he spent the winter in the weight room.

       And, Arrieta. I didn’t realize he had such “guns”. He was showing them off up until today with his sweat shirt sleeve cut off.

       Herrera also looks to be in excellent shape. Moniak no longer looks like a young man, he looks like an adult. Still young in the face, but kinda built like a Yelich. In fact, everyone looks good. Even Grullon looks a little thinner. Plesac on the other hand really fills out his uni.

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       1. Glad to her that about Grullon…next up Ortiz.

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       2. Sounds like everybody’s in the best shape of their life.

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98. A few of you have been having website issues apparently, so I’ll see if I can help.

    Login issues:
    If your login info isn’t being saved, it’s likely one of two things.

    1) Your browser settings have been changed. This happens frequently as broswers get updated. Check your settings. If you can’t find where it would be, reply with your browser of choice and I’ll help you out.

    2) Your cache/cookies has been corrupted or is out of date. Hit Ctrl+F5 for a refresh of your cache, and/or go in and clear your cookies in your browser options. After clearing your cookies you’ll need to enter your login info again, but it should save thereafter.

    Multiple posts:
    By far the most likely reason for this is user error. If you hit the “post” button more than once before the screen changes, it counts that as multiple posts (one for each time you hit the button). This will be far more noticeable when the website is running slowly, but can happen even when it’s running at normal speeds. Just give the website 5 seconds when you hit the button (10 if you want to be REALLY safe) and see if that solves the issue.

    If none of this solves the issue or there’s others that I haven’t addressed, just let me know and we can start working down the list.

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    1. thanks Dan K I’ll give that a try

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       1. testing 1-2-3

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99. Here is why I believe happening with these major signings. Ryan Howard. His last contract was a semi-disaster for the last three years and never lived up to it. Grant it, these guys are more mobile in their position, but they couldn’t move him for a bag of balls and still had to pay him 10M. I love Howard but production was not good.

    I also think these contracts are on the minds of management in no particular order

    Cabrera – DET
    Puljos – LAA
    Cano – Mets
    Votto- who you could probably get but that means trading Rhys – interesting though as I am typing this.
    Fielder- a total bust
    Hayward – A total bust for the amount paid
    Stanton- a semi-bust for the amount of money
    Kemp – A total bust for the amount paid
    Ellsbury- A total bust for the amount paid and Boras client.
    Hosmer- Do you think SD would drop this in a heartbeat…yes they would!

    They keep looking at these comps like Realtors do in and they just don’t live up.

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    1. Except for Heward and Hosmer (who are not in the same level of Harper and Machado), all of the FAs you mentioned are on the downside of the physical prime. Whoever is signing Harper and Machado will enjoy a 5-year prime performance from an elite talent. I hope people should stop comparing the FA market of Machado/Harper to those of Pujols, Fielder, Cabrera, etc. since they are not comparable.

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100. FWIW Dept…702 [Las Vegas resident and connection to Harper there] said “nothing is happening today.” If I can offer a purely personal view on this, here it is…Phils have been prioritizing their ducks in a row due to the financial implications involved. Look, I am not suggesting that Klentak and Co. woke up last week and said, “OK guys, here is how it goes down, first we trade for Realmuto, then get Nola signed to a long term deal, and them, boom, we sign Harper!” If only it were that easy?

     But, I do believe, and thought this from the moment that it was announced that Nola and the Phillies were headed for arbitration, that it would NOT be a good look team wise if they gave all this money to Harper first and then battled one of their own over a couple of million dollars. That was my fear, and I am sure the Phils were concerned about the same thing.

     I guess what I am saying is that in a perfect Philadelphia Phillie world they would have preferred to get Nola [ a loyal and homegrown Phillie] taken care of BEFORE they had to deal with him after throwing all that money at Harper or Machado [ two guys who came up pretty spectacularly with other organizations.] It just would have looked bad, and caused issues in the clubhouse, if they had gone to arbitration with one of their young and home grown stars.

     I also believe the Phils are really going proactive in planning their future financial dealings and this sure gives them lots of financial flexibility. Now, we don’t know if they are going to sign Harper and Trout….but it sure looks to me like they are preparing for it.

     By the way, I also believe that youngsters like Nola are looking at the financial landscape for the future and realizing that free agency may not be the utopia that players always envisioned it before analytics. Thus, I think many of them will be more open to signing deals early and guaranteeing them money instead of becoming free agents during the now dangerous 30 years old area that is now proving a baseball graveyard for many players.

     Just my views as Harper’s Bizarre seems destined to carry on for at least a few more days.

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     1. Good thoughts. However, pitchers will always sign extensions for guaranteed big money before position players due to the obvious injury risk to a pitcher. I’m very happy the Nola deal is done and won’t be a distraction going forward. We need one more big deal to be finished, although I think the big deal could cause a few more moves to occur. Kimbrel? Trading Williams? Moustakas?

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     2. Totally agree – take care of the current family. I also thinks this indicates that in addition to a Harper / Mercado splash – hoping Harper, that there is a pitcher coming this way. Nola feels comfortable, Jake is paid… and another SP – hopefully a LP is added.

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101. Betonline has just posted these World Series odds:
     NYY 6/1
     BOS 7/1
     HOU 7/1
     LAD 9/1
     PHI 10/1
     CHC 12/1
     ATL 16/1
     WAS 16/1

     That’s telling me to expect Harper or Machado to be here before too long.

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     1. Walks to podium … clears throat .. this is your weekly reminder that Vegas odds have nothing to do with an expectation of victory. They are designed on how they expect people to bet so that they get an equal amount of money bet on both/all sides. Vegas makes its money on the vig, not by picking winners. Thank you.

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        1. Exactly. Who is suggesting otherwise?

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102. 8mark….you beat me to the punch, I just saw that myself. Sure seems like the bettors know something or are just getting ahead of themselves. Two things jumped out at me immediately. 1] No way the Nats would be 16/1 if they re-signed Harper, they would likely be the NL favorites and 2] Giants [another potential Harper destination] aren’t even mentioned and while they still would likely be a loooooooooong shot to even make the playoffs, it seems to me you only sign a Harper if you are planning on competing for a playoff berth.

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     1. hard to know what this means other than the bettors anticipate that we will be signing MM or BH. but we all anticipate that so probably doesn’t make any of us feel more secure

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103. The Phillies will sign one of (if not both) of Harper and Machado — this has been my position (and position my most) since Day 1 of free agency. I understand the frustration since nothing is final until everyone signed the contract — but I will not longer sweat speculating the “ifs” and “buts” — Middleton will get his superstar!! Middleton is just reassessing the market to see if he can reallocate the resources/$$ that they earmarked to further improve the team.

     I think it’s Harper, but will not discount the possibility of 2 big FAs (i.e. Harper + Machado, Harper + Mous, Harper/Machado + Keuchel, etc) if the market falls into the Phillies favor.

     The offseason is shaping up nicely for the Phillies and there’s a legitimate reason to be optimistic for the upcoming 2019 season.

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104. For all those wanting to sign both BH & MM because you doubt Mike Trout will ever hit free agency …. please note …. Mike still hasn’t left for Arizona.

     https://twitter.com/royhallenbeck/status/1095751365513621504

     I understand this is no proof that he will turn down a LTX from the Angels, but (IMO) it does say something that Mike would rather still be in Millville (where the wind chill is in the 20’s today) instead of Tempe, Arizona (partly sunny & 73 degrees).
     Mike has every reason to want to be a Phillie. He’s built a home here on 300 acres. He and his wife (who is also a Millville HS grad) may be planning on starting a family soon (they were just married a year ago). Again, there are no guarantees. However, it just seems like all the stars could be aligning. Mike wants to play in the postseason/win a WS. The Phillies are building a team headed in that direction.

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     1. Does this mean he wants Whitey’s number?

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     2. I do believe 100% that Trout wants to go back home and play as a Phillies. It’s no secret that Mike followed the Eagles (who will be good for a while) and recently start spending time at the Wells Fargo to watch the Sixers (who is also expected to be a good for a while). South Philly is starting to be a hot place for athlete’s and celebrities and Mike wants to be part of it.

        And I also believe that Mike is a NE area guy. So for those who believe that south California is the best place in the country, I don’t think Mike Trout agrees with you.

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105. As the debate over who is king of the NL east hill rages, comparing the Phillies and the Nats, it’s worth mentioning that the Phillies bullpen may offset the Nats starting rotation. Pitching staffs are being used much differently these days. Corbin and Scherzer are their two mainstays, no doubt. Strasburg however seems to always be stung by the injury bug. Meanwhile, our deep bullpen (which may not be a finished product just yet) will be a big factor in the success of the Phightins. Assuming Harper lands in red pinstripes, the starting lineups are comparable. It’ll be an interesting division race. I don’t think the Braves did enough to sustain their success from ’18. The Mets undoubtedly have talent but they’ve been historically dysfunctional in recent years. And their arms haven’t been able to stay healthy.

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     1. Mets pitching staff, when healthy, will be difficult.
        Wheeler, from last June on, and deGrom could be the real challenge to the Phillies.
        Thor and Matz have to see
        But discount the Mets with that pitching staff coming back fully healthy.

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106. This could change if #Phillies sign Manny Machado, but Gabe Kapler said #Phillies will have a competition at third base between Scott Kingery and the incumbent Maikel Franco.

     — Matt Breen (@matt_breen) February 13, 2019

     Gabe Kapler announced Jake Arrieta had knee surgery to clean up cartilage a month ago. Arrieta is on target to be ready for season, however

     — Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) February 13, 2019

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     1. Well that puts to rest, for now anyway,…Cesar getting moved.
        Unless another team’s 2nd baseman goes down…and they want Cesar, he probably breaks camp with the team next month.

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     2. Never good. He’ll be behind again this year.

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     3. This will be a very interesting year for Kingery. We’ve all sort of forgotten about him because his first season was so bad (it was bad at bat – he was actually just fine in the field given he was playing out of position most of the time). Kingery is nothing if not motivated and physically talented. He put on 15 pounds of muscle this offseason. If he figures this out, he could still become a hell of player and what a gift that would be. And it wouldn’t be the first time a guy struggled in his first year or two and then took off. Pete Rose’s second year in the majors was actually really bad. He has a .645 OPS and an 80 OPS+. He kinda stunk. But his talent and hard work paid off and took off the following year and never looked back. Don’t count Scotty out just yet – he could still end up being a big deal and a huge contract bargain.

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107. Those counting on Eickhoff….concerning news:

     Scott Lauber✔
     @ScottLauber

     Another #Phillies injury update: Jerad Eickhoff had some recurring symptoms last month after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery at the end of last season. He’s scheduled to throw a bullpen session next week. “As of now, he’s not a candidate for surgery,” Kapler said.

     3:05 PM – Feb 13, 2019

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     1. Romus: stinks to hear that. Eickhoff complained that he couldn’t feel the ball from then nerve sensation being pinched off. Sounds like something he can pitch through, but it is concerning

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        1. Yes not good news…but have to see what the prognosis is….may be still in the healing process..I do not know….maybe scar tissue issues???
           Hopefully it is not any thoracic issues…that is what it was eventually diagnosed with Velásquez after the 2017 season.

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        2. It’s not actually something you can pitch through, especially not at the MLB level.

           For one, consider how many pitchers look at the ball in their glove before they throw it: none. They adjust their grip 100% by feel. If they can see the ball, so can someone else. That’s an easy way to tip your pitches.

           But also, a lot of adjustments are made through feel. The ball reacts differently on different days (hot/cold, humidity, etc. all have an impact). Warm up pitches aren’t just to get your muscles stretched, it’s to try getting a feel for how much bite the spin will have and such. If more or less is needed, one thing to try is to adjust your grip slightly until it’s behaving how you want it to.

           In addition to all that, your body has automatic reactions when something isn’t right. If you’re used to feeling the ball leave your hand hundreds of times a night, when you don’t feel it something is likely to happen. One thing could be squeezing your hand trying to find that feeling. Imagine your fingers snapping shut as you let go of a pitch. Not good.

           In my experience, I’d be more able to pitch with my eyes closed than without my sense of touch. It seems like a silly exaggeration, but home plate doesn’t move. Everything else does.

           All that being said, I don’t know exactly how much of his sensation is cut off. So we’ll have to see.

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           1. I agree on the sensation aspect. Don’t quote me, but I believe that was taken care of with the pinch nerve, now it sounds as if he is experiencing pain. Will have to wait for more info, but if it is involving his

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        3. I’ll tell you right now, if you can’t feel the ball you aren’t pitching through that. Not good news at all, I don’t expect much out of him this year if the issue hasn’t been corrected.

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           1. Well let’s not throw him into the trash pile just yet. Philliesnation is describing it as a small setback. Also, I believe it is only one finger vs the entire hand. He may have also said that he could’ve pitched through it before but took the conservative approach because they were already out of race etc, don’t quote me but pretty sure. Will see, hopefully it is just a small flare up

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108. Sure seems like Keuchel becomes the second most interesting Boras client available to the Phillies, if he wasn’t already.

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     1. But at what price?

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        1. Yeah, what price?

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109. I don’t think we can count on Eickhoff at all. It’s a bonus if he can contribute. Now this news on Arrieta makes me worried. We need another arm. It’s still possible that Williams or Franco gets us a starting pitcher though.

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     1. Hopefully this talk of SD being aggressive for Manny is just that. Doesn’t sound like it appeals to him. So if Klentak can move Franco for Strahm before SD signs Moustakas, now we’re talking. Padres don’t need an OF. Texas may like to have Nicky Dubs back if they’re willing to part with Minor who was rumored awhile back.

        I think once Harper signs with the Phillies, NYY swoops in to grab Machado at their price. I think Moustakas will then re-sign with the Brew Crew. Kimbrel? I don’t know. I’m not in faith for whatever the Phillies need to sign him, and I think he’s jumped the shark. Keuchel? I can see the Phillies going after him but secondary to trading for a lefty. I say he also signs with Milwaukee. And there’s always Cole Irvin to keep tabs on this spring.

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        1. If the Phillies are trading for a pitcher…assume it is a LHP….could be Robbie Ray of the DBacks….and it can be costly.

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           1. Pass

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              1. No pass. Ray would be a solid addition.

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110. I forgot we had Eichoff, others need to do the same.

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     1. Yeah I hate to say it but if you can’t feel the ball you are not going to be successful. Not something you should pitch with/through.

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111. Nola’s incentive clauses::
     Jayson Stark
     ✔
     @jaysonst
     Aaron Nola’s new contract includes an escalator clause for the two free-agent years the #Phillies can buy out, sources say.

     His 2022 salary (& ’23 option) would rise by $1 million for each Cy Young won, plus $500,000 each time he finishes 2nd & $250K for each 3rd-thru-5th.

     5:00 PM – Feb 13, 2019

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112. Apparently a Nats Executive was spotted in Vegas. Was spotted boarding private jet and it went FL then to Washington DC
     https://mobile.twitter.com/TalkNats2/status/1095808487412649997

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     1. Yeah…probably stop off to pick up Mike Rizzo and Doug Harris in West Palm who are there with the team as ST starts.

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        1. stop off to pick up….to drop off

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           1. In Vegas to discuss final offer you think?

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              1. I guess…Rizzo is the GM.
                 Probably Boras let them know what the Phillies may have offered, and to see if they will counter it….so they flew out there with the owner Lerner…the son, Mark, I assume not the father, Ted, who is in his early 90s now.

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              2. Nats beat guy doesn’t say anything about it…..yet.
                 Jesse Dougherty‏
                 Verified account
                 @dougherty_jesse
                 Follow Follow @dougherty_jesse

                 On the day Nationals pitchers and catchers reported, it was hard not to think (and ask) about Bryce Harper and the cloud this free agent market has hung above baseball:

                 12:28 PM – 13 Feb 2019

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113. I clicked on ESPN.com this morning. Went to MLB link and then to Teams and got a big surprise. The AL East has 9 teams listed. Some new ones: Albuquerque null, Detroit Tigers Futures, Nashville Sounds and Nippon Fighters. My first thought was, is this April Fools Day? My next thought was, Oh no, more teams in the Machado and Harper sweepstakes.

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114. I’m sure i’ll be happy if they end up signing BH or MM but this process really does suck the life out of fan excitement and makes it look like players don’t want to play in the various cities.

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     1. Would be nice if Wentz and Co have been reaching out to Harper and telling him how great it is. I know Ertz tweeted but that’s all I’ve seen.

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     2. Well to be fair neither one of them WANT to play in Philly, that is fairly obvious.

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        1. Not obvious at all. Just speculation on your part.

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        2. It’s only fair to say that Philadelphia is not the preferred destination for either, but saying either is utterly repulsed at the idea isn’t. This isn’t a destination city. But the whole notion that Philly is a leper colony is so overplayed. What’s holding things up is that both players want a number that begins with a 3, whether it’s in red pinstripes or not.

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           1. Never said anyone is repulsed by Philly but again it’s fair and obvious that they aren’t busting at the seems to come here. Sorry guys but it’s true. That doesn’t mean that either one does sign here and fall in love with Philly, it’s just not their preferred spot.

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115. Another day closer boys … lol could this go any slower. Unfortunately that answer is a definitive yes.

     Dont like the new slogan, but they are usually on the weak side.

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116. Taking a break from the Harper hopefullness for one minute, anyone else worried that the org is going to ruin Kingery? I don’t get why they don’t just put him at 2b and let Cesar be the super utility? Cesar played some CF when he first came up too. If Kingery is our future core 2b, put him there now, hit him 8th and let’s go

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     1. Totally agree. Otherwise there is serious incongruity between what they are saying with their payroll and what they’re doing on the field.

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        1. As people have said because Cesar is a good (and better right now than Kingery) and the Phillies have shifted into win now mode. I have laughed at all the projected line-ups that I have seen posted here that have Hernandez batting 8th or 9th. For the two and a half years before playing through injury the second half of last year Hernandez has gotten on base at a consistent nearly 38% far better than Rollins ever did.

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           1. That is to say Hernandez will be leading of and Segura will be batting second.

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     2. Because Cesar is good. Why doesn’t anyone realize this? Cesar is better than Kingery.

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        1. He is now for sure. Cesar is a good player and is often a very good player. This team has many problems – but Cesar isn’t one of them. Far from it.

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     3. Hernandez is the better player right now . . . he’s actually perfect in this line up for what’s going to be around him and apparently he played through an injury for the majority of the 2nd half. Kingery needs to hear his spot which he hasn’t done.

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     4. Cesar has been tried at ss and 3rd and isn’t satisfactory at either.

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     5. I also agree. I would include Cesar and a young starter in a trade to a rebuilding team.

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117. This is great

     Ok I just found the best-ever example of the dangers of stat-line scouting in the Gulf Coast League. From Ask BA, early 2001, the question of why are people excited by Miguel Cabrera. pic.twitter.com/Pw3vohYFPz

     — JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) February 14, 2019

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     1. Just hope it does not work in reverse…ie Luis Garcia

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        1. Garcia has exceptional scouting reports. It working in reverse would mean bad reports but good numbers. And often it does work out that way.

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        2. I’ve been working with this young man since he was 8

           He won’t be seeing $1.9 million when he is 16. He’s US born so he’ll have to finish HS first LOL. Funny story about this kid. Dad was his Little League manager and because dad was a SS and pitcher where do you think he always played him.

           I finally said to them both at the end of age 12 he’s a CF (I knew this because I had him shag for my legion team from the time he was 7) and if you want to go to the next level give up coaching him yourself and send him over to a program and let them take over the reigns. The kid looked at me with a smile and said I do like CF better that’s where Mike Trout plays.

           The hit tool picked up some bad habits so we’re going back in the cage starting Friday night to get it corrected. Hopefully before his next Perfect Game.

           We were in Manheim last Saturday saw a Nick Bitsko out of CB East class of 2021 some are projecting him in the 1st round. I had to laugh and feel bad for them at the same time. We all know how much can happen between now and then.

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118. As a fan of the sport not just the Phillies, its frustrating to see so many good players unsigned at the start of training camp
     hard to get excited when you have no idea what the final version of the teams are going to look like at the end given free agency will invariably trigger followup trades

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     1. No doubt it is a black eye for the sport and its setting the stage for ugliness at the next CBA

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        1. I really don’t get how this situation is a “black eye” for baseball. It’s just different than expectations or what people are used to. One could even argue that the uncertainty of where the top free agents will end up adds intrigue to the off-season.

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119. My take on the latest reports [at least that is what I saw late last night, just now getting to the news this morning on the West Coast] that its now down to the Phillies and Nationals for Harper is that the Giants and Padres have basically dropped out and Boras always HAS to have two teams bidding on his client, or at least give the perception that there is.

     So, when it became apparent that the Giants were not going to get Harper [and the only way they do is if Harper goes against everything we have read and heard and he takes a shorter deal] Boras probably contacted the Nats, may have even set up a meeting in Las Vegas for Harper and the Nats, and floated the rumor that they are now competing with the Phils for his star client.

     This would certainly fall in line with reports we are hearing that a Nats executive was flying out of Las Vegas and heading to Florida. It would also fall in line with reports that Boras promised the Nats one last chance to make a “best” offer to Harper, a promise that he also apparently made to Middleton.

     In my mind, if looked at logically, once it became apparent that the Yankees, Dodgers and Cubs were not getting involved, it almost had to come down to the Phillies and Nats. My guess is that Harper’s heart is still in Washington and it would not be the biggest surprise in the world if he went back to the Nats.

     But if he does, he will be A] turning down a bigger offer from the Phillies, B] ending perhaps forever the goal he has stated of getting the richest contract in MLB history and C] giving the Phils all the incentive they need to up the offer for Machado and perhaps make HIM the highest paid player in the game, something Boras and Harper are loathe to accept.

     It will also put the Nats in luxury tax hell for just about forever, they of the future payments to almost everyone in Washington outside of the President and Congress.
     It truly is a fascinating scenario where the team Harper really wants is trying to decide whether or not to sign him whereas the the team that really wants Harper is forced to wait for him to decide how much he wants them.

     By the way, and this is simply me speaking here, those Phillies phans that are suggesting that the Phightins should just give Boras a “take it or leave it” offer are being a bit irrational here. Why should they do this? What would it gain them? We are talking about trying to sign a guy for 8-10 years, not 8-10 months. This is a guy we hope is hitting home runs well into the next decade, not simply the next season.

     Those of you who are feeling impatient, and I admit I sometimes feel that way too, simply need to understand that this is the price you pay for dealing with Boras, its just the way he operates. Nothing new here, Boras is really easy to understand if you take the time to watch how he operates. If he would hold out a Marwin Gonzalez, a guy who truly needs to get signed and get to camp soon, why on earth would he deal differently with perhaps his last super mega 26 year old “generational talent?”

     This will end soon, and soon could be March. It likely will end at precisely the moment we least expect it, and perhaps at a time we least expect [Boras has been known to finish a deal at 1-2 in the morning.] It will end when Boras runs out of teams to “compete” with the Phillies for his services, when it becomes obvious that there is only 1 team left standing. Then Boras will negotiate seriously and when he does that, it usually doesn’t take long.

     Stay strong, Phillie phaithful, I still don’t believe Hinkie will need to take a 6 month self imposed exodus from this site!

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     1. To add to this, I Was listening to NYsports radio, and FWIW Cliff Floyd gave his opinion, with what also felt like a bit of inside info.

        He talked out both sides his mouth at one point, but believes the Nats get Harper, and the CWS get Machado. He put the asterisk up “unless the Phillies owner show them the money”. So … personally I felt he was still out in LF on that logic. He didn’t really consider how the Nats would fit Harper on the payroll or consequences for doing so. He was showing concern for players in FA, and love for Middleton becuse of his comments, but is wondering where it is.

        The inside info is more geared towards the Yankees/MM. Floyd gets the impression that the yanks are set with their team, and not sure what value MM would bring to the team. They feel like they have leaped BOS without Kimbrel. He thinks their out on MM, and they love their SS and 3rd players. For that reason he thinks mm goes to cws.

        A different perspective, that doesn’t take into count a pivot from BH to MM from the Phillies if they miss on the 1st signing. Seemed like Cliff doesn’t understand how much stupid money the Phils have

        Also, he doesn’t expect cepedes to play at all this years, and puts the Braves the fav to win NL east

        There ya go, don’t shoot the messenger!

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        1. Sorry to clarify, Floyd thinks for the Phillies to get BH, they need to offer 450mil+ Also bring in MM. it’s a package with them or they split to WAS & CWS

           Also, the Yankees are not sure what value MM would bring on a nightly basis over what they have. Not Floyd saying that, so the yanks should be out if that is the case.

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     2. C D – It was always between the Phillies and the Nats. Once the Nats started signing expensive FA’s, I thought they were out of the running. I still do! Now, I think that they’re intention is to make the Phillies pay “Stupid Money”. Sign Manny now, and lay the blame on Boras for stringing this out for so long.

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120. CD, thanks for taking the time to share your extensive thoughts. Very encouraging to us Phillies fans. It’s a simple situation when you look at it. The Phillies are holding out the biggest offer to the first player to say yes. This has never been about the Phillies vs rival clubs or mystery teams. It’s very much about Boras/Harper vs Lozano/Machado. The Phillies may prefer one over the other but seem postured to receive either and pay him handsomely. Klentak may prefer Manny whereas Middleton wants Harper. That perception has also served them well in this case.

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121. FWIW Dept…Shadow [Phillies organizational contact] and 702[Las Vegas contact] both chimed in last night and today. Shadow said nothing has changed, the Phils offer is, and will continue to be, the highest. To his credit, Shadow has always said he thought that Washington presented the biggest threat to the Phillies, and that if Harper continues to have as his goal a mega contract, there is only one team that can/will offer it…the Phillies.

     As for 702, he said he still believes 100% that Harper will join the Phillies. He said not today, but that things are going to get serious this weekend.

     Both basically said that things have pretty much remained the same as they always have…Phils are the most motivated, Phils have the highest offer, Phils prepared to go higher.

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     1. It seems to me, (i.e. just my opinion) that the Phillies have made the highest offer on Harper but it is not the record breaking offer that Harper wants. So would Boras say make it the record breaker or we sign with Washinton? And would the Phillies call that bluff knowing they have the highest offer?

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     2. I agree with Mr. Dreamer about Harper/Boras. The Giants are out. The Padres were never seriously in. The White Sox could get involved if the Phillies (would surprise me, and) sign Machado.
        Boras will give the Nationals (and the Phillies) a last chance to top Harper’s last/best offer. I’ve already explained the difference Harper would cost those two clubs in 2019 if he signed the same 10 year/30 million dollar contract. The Phillies could fit Harper under the luxury tax threshold so he would only cost them 30 million dollars. Even if the Phillies front loaded the deal, they would still pay him no more than the salary promised him for 2019 because the cap is calculated by AAV.
        Harper would total Washington much more because they are right up against the cap already. In 2019, that same 10 year/30 million dollar contract would cost the Nationals ~46 million dollars because of taxes and surtaxes. They would pay Harper just the 30 million. The other ~16 million would go to the league, who allocates it to both player benefits and to the lowest revenue clubs.

        Also … while I agree Harper would be more comfortable remaining in Washington, I believe he would be less comfortable giving a hometown discount. He and Boras want to set/break records. IMO, John Middleton has always been ready to pay stupid money/whatever it takes to sign a superstar “face of the franchise” this winter. If he can get Harper for 300 million, that’s great. If he has to pay more, he’ll do that too.

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        1. Hinkie….comes down to a choice for Nats’ Rizzo ..Rendon or Harper….Rendon will command approx min of $22/23M AAV for 5 plus an option……Harper’s contract will be more…together the Nats will be paying the highest penalty for the next decade.

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           1. Hinkie – What would the market look like if Boras represented both MM and BH? Would either be signed by opening day, or would things have gone smoother?

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              1. Mike … Harper and Machado (every big name FA) will be signed by opening day. If Boras repped both Harper and Machado (and he once did work for MM), the same thing would probably have happened. Boras usually keeps them all out until the last minute anymore.

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122. Didn’t Jim caution the rank and file to not get too carried away with the glowing reports on Luis Garcia?

     If I’m not mistaken, he wrote that, in his opinion, Garcia showed adequate fielding skills as a shortstop.

     Someone help me out here. Does anyone remember that report or am I losing it? I do admit; I am a senior citizen.

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     1. Yes Jim did share that opinion…

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     2. I cautioned against pinning our hopes on Garcia being our Acuna. Ignore his GCL slash. As good as it was, I saw a lot of hits that would be outs against the better defenses he will face as he moves up the organizational ladder. I saw a youngster who, if he makes the jump to Lakewood, will have to play a 140 game schedule v. the 43 he played in the GCL. I saw a shortstop who didn’t look quite as good defensively as Crawford when he was in the GCL (granted that’s still pretty good).

        He may become the prospect we all long for. However, I’m cautioning against raising expectations for a 17-year-old. I’ve seen how fans react. If he takes a step backward or doesn’t show the consistent improvement people expect from a top prospect, the same fans who lauded him as a top prospect will turn on him like Philly fans are wont to do.

        I’ve seen and heard the scouting reports on him. A lot of these reports are filed by people who weren’t in Clearwater to see him play. Look, he may become the next Jimmy Rollins. That would be great. But, if he’s just the next Kevin Stocker, that’s not a bad outcome for Garcia. Patience.

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        1. Jim – I agree! His age is the reason that I couldn’t vote for him so high in the prospect rankings. Teenagers have one thing on their mind, and baseball is a distant second.

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           1. I have to disagree with that. The only thing on all the kids’ minds here is baseball. They all know this is their chance to make it. Especially the LA players who don’t have the college money in their contracts like their American team mates. For some, baseball is their only chance.

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123. Buster Olney was on an ESPN radio show this morning and made a prediction…he is hearing that “very soon, by the end of February at the latest,” either Machado or Harper is going to jump in and take a very large offer from the Philadelphia Phillies. He said that both are using the White Sox as a safety net.

     If I were to read between the line, here is my perception. The Phils probably made an offer to Harper and not a specific one to Machado. But what they told Machado was that if/when he gets serious about negotiating with the Phillies they will have a very good offer for him….probably almost the same amount as they have offered Harper.

     I still believe [and Hinkie has mentioned this also] that there is a division within the Phillies organization about who they value more…Klentak/McPhail favor MM and Middleton favors Harper. Perhaps what may be happening is that they have been giving most of their time and effort to bringing in Harper, something Middleton truly wanted.

     However, as spring training approaches, they may have reached out harder to Machado and suggested that if he gets serious soon with them they might simply pivot to him…and with it the money they were offering Harper.

     Remember, they did bring in Machado’s favorite coach, they wanted Machado wayyy back when Harper wasn’t even a thought and there has been wayyyy more talk publicly of signing Harper than Machado and if Klentak and Co. are anything, its silent about their true desires.

     Again, I am only reporting what Olney said today…but it would not surprise me if Boras is re-engaging with the Nats because the Phils are re-engaging with Machado.

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     1. WaPo beat writer for the Nats, Barry Svrluga, said this afternoon looks like Rizzo will try to extend Rendon before the season starts….he is also a Boras client, so who knows there…….but as opposed to Harper, Rendon is older going into his age29 season this summer….so they are hopeful on a LTC for Rendon….which probably puts Harper off the shelf.

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     2. I believe the Phillies made their first offer to Machado in the days after their meeting at CBP. I also believe that offer was an opening offer (something they understood Manny wasn’t going to accept). However, they let him know to get back to them before signing anywhere else.
        A month later they met with Harper in Las Vegas. According to Jim Bowden (who said he spoke with someone in that meeting), the visit couldn’t have gone any better for Phillies fans. I took that to mean Harper was impressed with Middleton, MacKlentak, the Phanatic, and especially Gabe Kapler. Since then, the Phillies have given up their top prospect to bring in a guy Harper has publicly shown a lot of love for. At that LV powwow, Harper/Boras probably got the message they would get the most money from the Phillies. I believe the parameters (total money & years) for a deal are already in place. The two sides most likely have to settle how the money will be spread out (should be front loaded), and where the opt outs/opt ins are placed.
        Every indication is Manny Machado is ready to become a CWS, His new gloves are black and white (maybe light grey … I’m half blind anymore), the team has an empty locker between Yonder Alonso (Machado’s brother in law) and John Jay (Machado’s bestie). Why hasn’t he signed there yet? Is he hoping for a NYY miracle? That’s not likely, and I think Manny knows it. IMO … the reason Manny hasn’t yet signed with the White Sox is because he’s still waiting to see how things work out with the Phillies and Harper. If the Phillies have to shift back to Machado, he knows he’ll be in store for a greater payday.
        Again … I don’t know when it’s going to happen … but … sometime soon the Phillies are going to land their superstar “face of the franchise” FA.

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124. I believe that Middleton is waiting for his “best offer” to be the one that closes the deal. He is not going to bid against himself. The Agents are trying to drum up an offer for Middleton to beat, knowing he will not be outbid. I still think Romus’ 9/$333 Million gets it done when Boras says to him it is time and this is what it will take. He isn’t doing that until he is sure that is all the $ he is going to get. I admit that I have no read on Machado. He could very well be the team’s first choice, and they just don’t leak anything, and have no interest in paying $300 Million when Machado’s highest offer is only $250M. But, there is clearly something wrong with this system. Every other sports makes FA an exciting time for the game. What is happening here is simply whatever the opposite of exciting is. Dull doesn’t fully explain it.

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     1. either one of these deals is gonna be 6 years or under! not going past the 6-year mark.

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        1. They’ll both get more than six guaranteed years. However, they could each end up shorter than six years because of opt outs and opt ins.

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     2. “Dull doesn’t fully explain it.”

        Boring? Discouraging? Depressing? Disheartening? Deadening? Tranquilizing? Debilitating?

        … can you tell what I do in (some) of my free time?

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125. matt13…..”What is happening here is simply whatever the opposite of exciting is. Dull doesn’t fully explain it.”…it is only dull for Phillies/WSox/Nats and maybe Giants fans…..because they all have a dog in this fight between BH and MM.
     The rest of the teams are signing their guys now…Twins signed their ss and Kepler today to LTCs.
     This time next year, Phillies will not be pursuing any of the top FA dogs, I assume,, at least until Trout declares after 2020 season…..and it will be normal again.

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126. So much going on, just trying to keep people up to date…Arrieta said today he is optimistic that the Phils will sign either Harper or Machado as did Hoskins. Of course, both are Boras clients and have reached out to Harper. It was also reported that in Nola’s press conference today Matt Klentak seemed very confident he was going to get one of the two.

     By the way, Middleton was at that press conference and didn’t dispute anything MK said. One more thing worth noting…Jeff Passan, ESPN baseball writer, wrote that he feels the Phillies will be the most interesting team in baseball this year. He said that getting Realmuto changed everyone’s perception of the team.

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127. Reading about Trevor Bauer claiming he was subject to ‘Character Assassination’ during his arbitration hearing makes me wonder if the Indians will look into potentially trading him again.

     In the event that that’s a possibility, what do you think it takes to get him?

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     1. 1.One of the Three Musketeers…Vive or Eflin or Pivetta
        2. Medina
        3. One of the position prospects (Haseley or Bohm)…..but maybe just Nick Williams

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     2. I’d go Eflin or VV but not much more.

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     3. Bauer is a top shelf talent soon to be a free agent. And he’s also an incisive character. He is intriguing but do you invite that instability into a brand new and positive culture?

        Trade wise, I would offer Eflin, Williams and Medina….then I wince.

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     4. It’s really not character assassination. It’s the truth. Trevor Bauer is not a good dude. As I’ve posted numerous times, I wouldn’t want him in the Phillies locker room.

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        1. Hinkie – I agree completely. Bauer is a problem in the clubhouse and with the media. He may be insightful but he is also abrasive, careless with his mouth, and also all about Bauer. No thanks.

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           1. Has husband teammates been outspoken about him in the clubhouse? Is he a bad teammate?

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              1. Most of his teammates just stay away from him. Bauer is, for the most part, a loner. Bauer is not an inclusive kind of guy.
                 Check out these examples of Bauer being a bad teammate:
                 1. Bauer taking a shot at his own teammate (Cy Young winner Corey Kluber). Who does this?

                 Plot twist, I was better than Kluber this year

                 — Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) November 29, 2018

                 2. He and his college teammate Gerit Cole hate each other. They haven’t spoken since early in their UCLA careers. Bauer has claimed Cole cheats while on the mound.

                 Away from the clubhouse, he has had numerous incidents with people on social media. Like I’ve said many times, Bauer is just not a good dude.

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                 1. Man, if that’s his real tweet, what a complete freaking jerk. He’s right up there with Zach Greinke (read about how what Greinke did to good guy Pat Neshek who asked him for an autograph – it was so uncalled for and outrageous). One great thing the team has done this offseason has been adding really good guys to the mix like Realmuto and McCutchen. I don’t want a cancerous guy anywhere near this team – airheads like Odubel are frustrating enough.

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                 2. Yeah. Away from the field/clubhouse, Bauer is even worse. Google some of his exploits on social media. A few months ago, a 21 YO girl in college was being harassed by Kluber because she tweeted something he didn’t like.

                    I just found it for you. https://deadspin.com/trevor-bauer-has-been-harassing-a-woman-for-more-than-a-1831545503 In his attacks on the girl, he threatens her with a virtual body bag. WTF? Trevor Bauer is the worst guy in MLB.

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     5. I would pass on Bauer. He’s a bit of a headcase and the Phillies don’t need that right now, especially on a young team.

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128. Hinkie…I think you nailed it in regards to Machado and I was attempting to suggest pretty much the same thing. Machado seems the mystery here and most believe he is holding out from signing with the ChiSox because he is waiting on the Yankees but I believe [as you do] that its really the Phillies that he is waiting on, not the Yankees.

     To me, this is all part of the chess game stare down…Machado does NOT want to sign with the Sox before he sees what happens with Harper/Phillies because he knows if Harper goes elsewhere the Phils have probably told him that they will then offer him just about they were offering Harper, certainly more than what they are offering MM now.

     Harper does NOT want to sign first because, well, because Boras always wants to be last and wants to make sure his client gets more than Machado. Of course, with each day that passes, Boras does run the risk that Machado will simply decide to tell the Phillies, “make me your best offer and lets see where it leads.”

     I truly believe the Phils would be happy with either player and are prepared for move forward with either and have plans based on either player. Get Machado, trade Franco. Get Harper, trade Williams. Speaking of which, Williams is also represented by Boras and will be affected by a Harper signing. Boras has probably been told by Williams that he sure would like to know where he is going to be playing this so there is lots going on here.

     I still believe Harper meets their needs more and would be absolutely loved in Philadelphia. Machado would instead become of an acquired taste in Philadelphia, a guy you have to watch everyday to truly appreciate him. I watched him here in SoCal after he joined the Dodgers and it was funny, you hardly ever noticed him but he was the one guy in the Dodger lineup that they never platooned, never moved off the 3rd spot in the batting order and played every game, a rarity in Dodgerland.

     Seems the news is getting louder, not surprising now that spring training is upon us. Honestly, I cannot see this going into March given all that is coming out. One of the two is going to “jump” in soon, to use Olney’s words and when one does, the other will have little reason to continue to sit out.

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129. ESPN.com (Brad Doolittle) has been ranking players by position. They are through c, 1B, and 2B so far.

     Catcher … JT Realmuto #2 (behind Buster Posey)
     1B … Rhys Hoskins #5 (behind Goldschmidt, Freeman, Rizzo, and Votto)
     2B … CeHe #12 (behind Altuve, Cano, Baez, Whit Merrifield, Gleyber Torres, Chris Taylor, Ozzie Albies, Dozier, LeMahieu, Schoop, and Jurikson Profar).

     I could make a good argument for Cesar in front of Schoop and Profar.

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     1. Not to diminish Posey’s skills, but is he even a fulltime catcher anymore? I think JTR will be THE biggest impact player for the Phillies in 2019, and that’s with Bryce Harper on the team.

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        1. I can see CeHe as #6.

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        2. I agree, 8mark

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        3. What would you expect from a basketball network. 😉

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     2. How did they miss Scooter Gennett

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        1. DMAR…..good question…guy started 140 games at second base.

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     3. Those rankings seem odd to me. LeMahieu is no longer a primary 2b and where is Scooter Gennett?

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130. We have argued about Cesar for a long time. 2 things I want from him that can be improved by working at it. His defense and his base running. If he is going to bat lead off, and it appears that they like him there, he has to go from 1st to 3rd and 2nd to Home better than he does, unless there are 2 outs. Not so much base stealing as being smart and aggressive on the bases. I don’t think he is very good there. I like Kingery, and I think we should have traded Cesar, but if he is going to be here, I want him to be the best that he can.

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     1. matt13…..don;t forget…many peiople think Cesar faded last year…and he did….but remember around the 4th of July, i think in Pittsburgh, he hit himself off the foot or got hit by one of their pitchers….and the next few games could pinch hit…..then it was said the bruised or fractured foot/toe would be around for him the remaining of the season….and his numbers really declined and faded over July August. and Sep hitting under .240 over those 300 PAs.

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        1. Dude played hurt while others took themselves out of the line up with just hurt feelings.

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131. I’m probably 1 of the few fans to say this but imo we should avoid Harper. Hes obviously an upgrade than our current OFers. However hes highly inconsistent, when on hes HOF type impact, but when hes off hes average at best. I dont think 10 years at max salary on a very inconsistent player with none impact defense should be where the $ goes. Honestly MM at his best is not near Harper at his best, however is much more consistent with plus defense and a harder position to upgrade. From the rumors MM might get less than BH so I say hard pass on Harper….

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     1. I have generally agreed with your assessment ask of season, but at this point the Phillies have constructed a roster that Is in need of a middle of the order left-handed bat.

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132. Shadow reporting that he talked to a guy associated with the Phillies [guy named John Clark] today and from what he heard this is really developed into a game of chicken between Boras and Lozano and here is why…Boras used to be Machado’s agent and he is taking this really personally and is determined A] to have the top deal of the two and B] to not have Harper sign first before he knows what Machado makes.

     Apparently neither of the two agents want their client signing first, almost a macho thing. Also, pitcher Shawn Kelly said he talked to Harper a couple of days ago and Harper reported that things are going even slower than is being reported.

     To me, this still appears to be a story of who blinks first.

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     1. My small issue with that is supposedly Boras advised Harper to take the Phillies 9/360 offer back in 2018. Machado is not getting $300mil even if Harper signs first. This leads me to believe Harper may not have a very strong offer currently.

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     2. Machado left Scottt Boras in Feb 2011 to go to Dan Lozano.
        Boras worked the 2010 initial bonus contract with Andy MacPhail and the Os….but he held Manny out until the very last moment as a 2010 draftee. signing a few minutes before the mid-August deadline….Manny then let him go six months later….but Manny did get over $5M back then…which was a pretty hefty bonus payment.

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     3. Mr. Dreamer … John Clark is actually a sports reporter (NBC 10 in Philly). That said, the report of the rivalry between agents has always made sense. Both Boras and Lozano want to win the “I Brokered The Biggest Deal” contest.

        Also … here’s the story on Shawn Kelley: https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article226211155.html
        This is the reason the Phillies don’t feel any need yet to up their offer. Why should they bid against themselves?

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        1. Yes, Clark is no more associated with the Phillies than any newspaper’s features writer. He’s not even a Phillies beat writer. His Twitter info – “Sports Anchor / NBC10 Eagles GameDayFinal, Eagles GamePlan host / Delco raised Temple Made”.

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           1. Is shadow in Clearwater. Clark is.

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133. Before the crescendo of the Phillies off season mercifully comes, I have to praise the front office for the way they’ve reconstructed the roster.

     1 trading for Realmuto with the real prospect of him being extended as not just a hope but an apparent plan for the near future, his offensive production should increase with 81 games at CBP,

     2 trading with (or should I say fleecing?) Seattle for not only Segura, who will probably put on a daily clinic on bat to ball skills, but nabbing 2 good relievers in Nicasio and especially Pazos, who may turn out to be the steal of the off season,

     3 signing David Robertson to bring some stability and leadership to the bullpen,

     4 signing Cutch, who may thrive in this ballpark, as well as on this roster,

     5 and acquiring Jose Alvarez from LAA for “the other” Luis Garcia.

     Kudos to Klentak and company!
     Now to secure that LHP, that corner OF bat and to get the 3B situation settled, and we’re good to go.

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     1. I agree

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134. To Cal-D — I think as you do – the real wild card would be if Lozano said to the Phillies – “give me your best shot,” thus forcing an offer and corresponding response. If that offer was greater than what the Sox made, (most likely and acceptable) that would cause the Phils to swerve into the MM lane. If they signed MM, they then could sign Keuchel, a ground ball machine, with any savings from not signing a “more expensive” Harper ?

     Albeit – as Aron points out above – does MM make more sense as the “more complete player” than the left handed middle of the order bat ? With the lineup construction as it is they may be forced to lean towards Harper.

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     1. RU….nothing personal just business, but if the Phillies go ahead and ink Manny because he takes the offer on the current table, immediately…..Boras could get a little vindictive down the road …he does rep about 4/5 other Phillies…Hoskins being one.
        That would leave Harper hanging out there with short term deals or less AAV than he expects.

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        1. Romus – i hear you…its always a “when you sleep with the devil” kind of issue with Boras …..not taking away from your point but – the wild card is Lozano – if he had any guts – he would face the dragon and offer MM to the Phillies and call Boras hand. Boras can then do what he would do ??? My point is – don’t piss off Boras, but if Lozano presented his client on a platter – doesn’t that force Boras to play his hand ? Phillies can always go back to Boras and say, “MM wants to join us for $250 mm for 7 years – but we are inclined to do business with the Wizard , what can you offer ?

           Dealing with Boras is always setting yourself up for extortion, because of his clients and the sheer number he represents.

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     2. That LHB in the lineup ……did not hurt the Stros/Yanks or Sox…their best hitters were all RHBs….Benintendi was the sole Sox bat with any clout…I do not count JB Jr.
        …Yanks, who?…maybe Torres, not Bird…..Stros…Marwin Gonzo…Reddick or McCann…none strike fear alone.

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135. 8mark, who is the LHP that you want? If Harper comes here, are you going with Franco at 3B? Or, someone else? I agree with everything that you just said. I have read, more than once, that Pazos and Alvarez were 2 really nice pickups by the Phils.

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     1. Matt Strahm from SD for Franco as principals.

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        1. Solid trade idea dude

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     2. Romus – If the Phillies sign Manny, Boras will have no one to blame except himself. This deal should have been done in January.

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        1. Agree Mike….but that is his protocol……wait and wait

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136. Put this in the if you need a laugh category
     A fake insider on twitter is claiming the Mets are very involved with harper sweepstakes.
     Cubs included

     Thought we could all use a laugh

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137. Braves Kimbrel reunion chances?

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138. Fangraphs editor Jon Jaffe was discussing the Harper/Machado situation today and he said, based on everything he has heard, is that there are basically two situations left, and both leave the Phillies in the cat birds seat.

     Situation #1…if Machado signs with the Phillies, then Harper either goes back to the Nats or signs with the Padres.
     Situation #2…if Harper signs with the Phillies, Machado either signs with the White Sox or the Padres.

     If Jaffe is correct, and reports certainly suggest he is, I began to think that this talk of negotiations dragging on till March MIGHT just be both agents planting this stuff for fear that IF one of the players does decide to get serious with the Phils and sign a deal, the other not only loses the Phillie option, but is forced to sign a deal with a team for much less than he might get if the Phils are in play.

     Look, I understand that teams wise, I am offering nothing earth shattering but with all this talk in the last couple of days that this could drag into mid March I began to wonder where this talk originated and my guess is its coming from the agents…not because they believe it but because they fear a Phillie preemptive strike with each agents opposing player and want to present a picture that nothing is brewing, just take your time. I know Boras would do something like this, and given Lozano’s reputation, he would do this also.

     If my theory is correct, I am sure the Phillies suspect as much and would explain [as Hinkie has been suggesting] why the Phils have felt no urgency to up their offers. They may even be waiting for either agent to approach them and say “lets make a deal.” This could be why the Phillies have been insisting publicly why they are going to sign only one [though Shadow continues to insist that privately they have NOT ruled out both of them if the prices are right.]

     I also believe that if my theory of the agents putting out notices publicly that there is no rush to sign, one of them is going to break soon and want to reach a deal with the Phillies before its too late and the Phils are no longer involved.

     Now, perhaps I am completely off base here and Harper goes back to the Nats and Machado signs with the ChiSox, but given what Jaffe just said today on his national sports show, it does seem to me as if the narrative of a slow market and mid March signings is more an agent stunt than actual goings on.

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     1. Situations 1 and 2 have the Phillies making the first move. Did Jaffe cover situations 3 and 4? What if …

        #3. Harper signs with “not the Phillies”. Then what does Machado do?

        #4. Machado signs with “not the Phillies”. Then what does Harper do?

        Does he assume that they will automatically sign with the Phillies? Does he consider that offers and requests might be altered, maybe even drastically, if either of these were to occur?

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        1. I think the assumption is that nobody will sign anywhere until they circled back to the Phillies for one last time. I may be wrong.

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139. I saw what Arrieta had to say and I have to admit that I am looking forward to him having a good year. I am an Arrieta fan, and I believe him about suffering an injury which contributed to his poor second half. I also believe that he is the type of competitor that will re-invent himself, if need be, to succeed. That doesn’t take me out of the Keuchel market. I give him the Arrieta deal if I can. Especially with the uncertainty about Eickhoff. I always felt VV goes to the BP, and I think Pivetta has a bigger upside than Eflin. So Nola, Arrieta, Keuchel, Pivetta and Eflin works for me. And, I am fine with Vinny battling Eflin.

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     1. Matt – If Arrieta had a bad second half due to knee problems, Why didn’t he have the surgery sooner than January? I think with better defense and batting order, Arrieta will have a nice bounce-back year.

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     2. I had heard as early as last season that Arrieta was pitching through an oblique strain. Whichever is the case, he seems to be okay during drills and pitching. He’s not babying the knee.

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140. Alright gentlemen … I will personally be in a town called Las Vegas next week. When going through the airport I’ll have my eyes peeled. If BH isn’t signed by then, I’ll keep a lookout… not that i can afford his company, but it would be a pretty cool to see a certain star waiting to board a trip to FL, would need to hope it’s for the Phillies. Not sure where Nats or CWS play ST.

     Anyways, maybe we get lucky and know a bit sooner than others.

     I do Think this is agent driven, and Howard made a great point on the radio tonight, how selfish it is towards the other players boras is representing…. say as Nick Willams

     On another note, my old friend/contact is gone a bit rogue, no social media accounts easy to find. I’ll work on it, probably more of an in season source though

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     1. FYI – Nats are in West Palm Beach, Phils are in Clearwater (Tampa airport).

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     2. Tac – It’s funny that you should mention that. Every time I walk out my front door, I’m looking for Bryce. In previous winters Harper been sighted all over town, but this year it’s like he’s in the witness protection program.

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        1. @Murry – good to know.
           @WawaMike – Mybe we get lucky and I get to send an update, but hopefully he is signed before then.

           I have a feeling itll happen next week bc I’ll have limited access to my phone… so I’m sure that is when it finally goes down. I’ll Be there with no idea …

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           1. Tac3….”I’ll have limited access to my phone… so I’m sure that is when it finally goes down. I’ll Be there with no idea …”,

              ……don’t you worry, if it happens and you are in Vegas…it will be announced over the city’s Emergency Broadcast System’s loud speakers. 🙂

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141. Cal D & Romus – my point was precisely what C-D mentioned – if Lozano preempts with MM to Phills vs. Boras all hell is going to break loose. Yes, Harper returns to DC, or does he ? given that they broke their piggy bank ? and will forever in the future. No matter how slow everyone reports, Shawn Kelley (per above), reporters, anyone involved – if Lozano calls the hand, everybody has to show their cards. Yes, it favors the high bidder – but who does the high bidder get ?? Moreover, the longer this goes on, the greater the chance Lozano has to play his hand – because the national media is invested in Harper to Nats or Phils. MM to where ? nowhere ? Look for the most surprising outcome !

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142. I think tomorrow we will have some movement. I’m feeling it.

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143. I’ve never bought the theroy/rumor that both superstar FA’s hate the idea of playing in Philly. Keith Law shot down that theory today in his chat.

     Bobba: Do you think Harper and Machado are reluctant to commit to Philly because each would prefer to play somewhere else if the money is even somewhat similar? Given ownership’s ludicrous statement at the beginning of the process about going “stupid,” it sure seems like the agents could get some pretty good numbers out of Klentak and the Phillies by now. I just don’t think it’s either player’s first choice destination…

     Keith Law: Don’t believe that for a second either. Good city, fans will show up when the team wins, they’re competitive now. What’s not to like?

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144. As California Dreamin’ alluded to, at least one source says that the sweepstakes could drag on until mid-March:

     https://www.12up.com/posts/6296899-report-bryce-harper-and-manny-machado-unlikely-to-sign-until-mid-march/partners/42571?fbclid=IwAR1LQgUcn6RwCznZ54zKPOdrEnGMGHyaUOTw34kpiL4v_Wacl7jkwblL30w

     While I genuinely appreciate all the in-depth knowledge that gets transmitted here, I don’t know if I can take another month of all this competing, back-and-forth speculation. It’s putting a bad taste in my mouth with regard to both players, even though either would provide an instant upgrade to our ball club.

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145. so how many years do they really need to go to in contract offer to either guy? obviously there will be opt outs for the player, but i still dont like taking all the risk for 8, 9, 10 years- can there be some vesting options dependent on games played or not being on the DL for x days?

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146. The Phils have a great shot of getting both. The Phils are going to sign one of the two first for a number lower than most imagine was ever possible. Once that happens, other teams are going to put lowball offers on the table, especially because the Phils are going to message they are done. But they will be working it behind the scenes and swoop in and take the second.

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147. Mr. Dreamer … Here is John Clark reporting on Aaron Nola’s new contract.

     Aaron Nola is an ace. He is quiet and unassuming. He does not get emotional.

     Today I asked him and his family what drives him to be great.

     Aaron let us in on his personal life growing up with his big bro that he tried to emulate

     Check out this story with Aaron & his parents pic.twitter.com/4LE59XqoYQ

     — John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) February 14, 2019

     BTW … Ken Rosenthal has a piece in the Athletic that says other agents aren’t happy Nola (and his agent) agreed to such a team friendly deal.

     From @Ken_Rosenthal: A number of rival agents think Aaron Nola’s deal was a steal for the Phillies — and a setback for other pitchers heading into arbitration. https://t.co/EW1PKabwy4

     — The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) February 14, 2019

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     1. Honestly. I do think Nola’s deal is undervalued. He’s giving up likely big raises in both the arbitration years and then what he’d get on the open market.

        I think for him just signing a deal that bought out his arbitration years (at somewhat of a discount) would have made more sense. it’s a lot easier/safer for a pitcher to go after a big contract when they’re 29 as opposed to 31.

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        1. Oops. Sent it early. His deal is
           1st arb year($4m),
           2nd arb year($8m),
           3rd arb year($11.75m),
           1st free agent year($15m),
           2nd free agent year($16m club option) $4.25m buyout

           So it’s guaranteed $43m Which is obviously for any normal person a huge amount of money… but even with a bad year this season Nola would get more than $4m in arbitration. I think $6m-$7m/$10m/$13m-$15m are realistic arbitration numbers which may inflate as salaries go up as well.

           Toss in giving away two free agent years for $31m and pushing his free agency from age 29 to age 31. Phillies definitely got off cheap imo.

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           1. There is also a $2 million signing bonus. And incentives to the final year and option year based on CY finishes.

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              1. Nola continues on his current track for the next 2/3 years,
                 fWAR….’17-4.2….’18-5.6
                 bWAR….’17-4.3…’18-10.5

                 ….he left some change on the table.
                 But not sure how long his am will hold out with that past procedure.
                 Richards’ did not, Tanaka so far has, along with Nola.
                 So the team must have been negotiating that point with Paragon and Nola.

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                 1. I think this is a great deal for the Phillies. If you just look at the QO (which, I think, is tabulated by the average salary of the top 125 players in MLB), he doesn’t even reach 2017’s QO ($17.2M). Great deal for the Phillies for one of the top pitchers in baseball. Great deal.

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           2. It’s one of the better young player extensions ever entered into by a major league team. It reminds me in a lot of respects of the first Chase Utley deal, but it’s even better than that.

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              1. You really cannot compare position players to pitchers….Utley to Nola
                 Pitchers have more risk associated with their duties.
                 Latest stats reveal that 30% of all [pitchers have had TJ surgery…….a lot less percentage have had shoulder issues.
                 But whenever these injuries occur there is no production forl a full season or more.
                 Position player inquiries normally do not keep them out for an entire year….and how many suffer Achilles heal tears or ACLs ….not 30%.

                 IMO….Nola , with his past two seasons performances, could have been compensated 25% more…ilo of $11M AAV for 5…..I would had offer $14/15M AAV for 5…. or even 6 if he would be interested in another year tacked on..

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     2. Dear other agents and players – TOO BAD. Aaron Nola can agree to whatever damned contract he likes. When you hold out, you risk something like this happening. Oh well.

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148. Remember this tweet from Washington radio host Chris Russell ?

     Decision week for Bryce in Vegas….This could be over by Thursday (Valentine's Day). Heard no more meetings. 3-4 teams are serious contenders. I assume that still includes #Nats but not 100% sure. Heard a week or so ago, they would get final chance to match. pic.twitter.com/r2gHhClqXU

     — Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) February 11, 2019

     Russell was on the air tonight (Thursday), and he apparently is doubling down on his prediction.

     Chris Russell on 106.7 The Fan says he still thinks Bryce Harper's decision will come in the next 24 hours, and he said he doesn't think it's the #Nats.

     — District on Deck (@DistrictOnDeck) February 15, 2019

     Let’s see what happens today. This guy has supposedly been pretty accurate on his Harper info so far.

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     1. Thanks Hinkie – for all your comments….and valued thoughts. One thought i had, and its an emotional but cognitive awareness – why is it that we have had the pleasure of seeing many / Doc Haladay, Cliff Lee, among others, and now, Aaron Nola, accept contract terms that were favorable to team and future success ? Yes—I know there are players who have walked away – but few. This old city and team must be doing something right…..and I think it speaks to the passion and love that the city feels for its team and its players. I think it also speaks to the organization— respectful, kind, forgiving etc. —–but also forceful. Its just like the effort that Jim puts forth to keep this blog going, and its many active participants – how can this not be an attractive place to be as a player given this level of fan commitment ! Fie on those who would say these FA “they don’t want to play in Philly.”

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        1. Shadow says he didn’t think so
           I wish this would get over soon though

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        2. I think it’s mostly the organization and not the fans that are the reason we’ve had a relatively high amount of players sign “team friendly” contracts. By all accounts, the Phils take care of their own. And that extends beyond their playing days.

           Its the Google philosophy. Treat your employees well and they’ll reward you for it.

           But I’m sure some of the stars that have come (looking at you, Utley) through enjoy the fans as well.

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           1. It is very true that the Phillies take care of their own.

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     2. Chris Russell is going on WIP with Harper info in a few minutes. You can listen here
        https://player.radio.com/listen/station/sportsradio-94wip

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        1. In case you weren’t able to listen, here’s what Chris Russell just stated on WIP:

           * Harper, his wife, Boras, and members of Boras’ team have been meeting in Las Vegas since Monday.

           * Yesterday, Harper made his decision, and was in a celebratory mood.

           * It might take a few more days to cross the “t’s” and dot the “i’s”.

           * Thinks Harper picks the Giants unless the Phillies offer is overwhelming because he would feel awkward playing in the same division as the Nationals. He doesn’t want to be perceived as a villain in Washington.

           Now … IMO, I just don’t see Harper/Boras turning down the most money to avoid having to playing the Nats as a division rival. We’ll see. I guess this is why Manny Machado has yet to sign with the ChiSox yet.

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           1. To be clear … Russell got his info on the first three points from a source who has been pretty accurate up until now. Russell didn’t say his source told him Harper’s pick was the Giants. Russell, himself, said be believed it would be the Giants because he felt Harper wouldn’t want to be perceived a s a villain in Washington. I still believe Harper/Boras will choose the stupid money and not care too much about Harper’s future trips back to Nationals Park.

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              1. Well … as Mr. Dreamer mentioned yesterday … Buster Olney is still reporting one of Harper/Machado will choose the Phillies before the end of the month.

                 The video of Buster Olney on Get Up pic.twitter.com/t6hysyjZVx

                 — Derek Brader (@TheRealDB35) February 15, 2019

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149. I don’t think that either has any problem with playing here. I think they went into FA thinking they could get huge numbers from anywhere they wanted to play. Machado from the Yankees and Harper from the Dodgers. They were disappointed that those teams were not close. This whole “not Philly” thing is just a way to try and get more $. I am the first to take offense at players that I don’t think like it here, but I don’t get that sense. I said from the beginning that if the #s are close, then locale plays a roll as does favorite team growing up East Coast vs West Coast type of lifestyles. But, I don’t think anyone will be close enough to us that it will matter.

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150. I guess my whole problem with this pursuit of Harper is what my problem with him has always been. He is more hype than anything. He is not a generational talent. Trout is the generational talent of this generation. Harper isn’t even the best player at his position. Should a non-generational talent get record money? ARoid was a generational talent (before the steroids) and look what signing him did to the Rangers.

     All that being said he is a very good player, one of the two best in the market and likely a safer bet than the Puljois deal.

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     1. Well said………..and Machado?

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     2. Well said…………..and your take on Machado?

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     3. ARod was a beast for the Rangers. But it’s baseball and one player can’t get you even close to all the way there – if it could, the Angels would have been in the playoffs the last 5 years and please, please do not tell me that was Mike Trout’s fault.

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     4. I kind of agree with you Aron. The only thing that gives me pause is that he is only 26 and I think there may be some maturity growth over the next 6 seasons that will allow him to take off.

        I mean he already has a pretty sick 388 OBP/512 slg/900 OPS. Sure defense is limited but stick him in LF and you should minimize that liability.

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     5. Part of the excitement of the chase has blinded some of us in that aspect. Not only is Harper not the top player at his position, but not even a top 5. He is likely that he can’t even crack the top 15 for OF. That said, we are project that his prime years, favoring in CBP, will push him closer. His attitude and marketing help as well. Something you roll the dice on/educated guess

        I think MM fits the team better, minus his lazziefair-tude. Defense improves, and I believe his numbers will be more consistent than BH. When you factor in Haslely,Moniak, and Bohm, personally, I think MM is the better choice player wise, but it’s Middleton’s money.

        I’ll be happy to get 1, both would be insane. I’d accept the 2 year boost if would give the team, and deal with trout when the time comes. Use the back channels to let Trout know they’ll do what is needed to be done to get him here. If not, we’ll you have BH And MM to ride to championships.

        So yeah, all this chasing is creating a dust storm, that once settled may so which player was the better for this championship run window. It’s going to stink if haslely and Moniak develop .. and are blocked by expensive players, or Bohm. I think Klentak sees it that wAy, but Middleton is looking at it from the $$$ side.

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        1. I wouldn’t worry about Moniak or Haseley developing. If they do, things will work themselves out. Having good young prospects is not a problem.

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151. Severino signs extension with Yanks, 4/$40 Million

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152. The Athletic article has already been posted, so I’ll just say:

     Any contract that pisses off agents is a darn good contract for the ball club. And there is literally zero doubt in my mind that Nola could have held out for more money.

     This seems like a player signing for less than he could get in order to be somewhere he wants to be. He seems legitimately excited to lead THIS team to the playoffs.

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153. And, no one understands the effects of a prior injury, and the value in Nola’s mind of the guaranteed $. It is easy for the Agents, who are hardly objective, to complain, but Nola seemed genuinely happy, his family is happy, the team is happy, I am happy, so that is all that counts.

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154. Jim Bowden is listing his Top 200 prospects for the Athletic. So far he’s listed 200-50. I’m pretty sure no Phillie is making his top 50 now that Sixto has been traded. Here’s what he’s got:

     164. JoJo Romero (projects as a # 3 or 4 starter or possibly a set-up reliever)

     143. Spencer Howard (four-pitch mix allows him to profile as a mid-rotation starter)

     101. Adonis Medina (has some work to do with his command and control and, most importantly, the consistency of all his pitches, but he can miss bats and has high upside)

     61. Adam Haseley (one of the more underrated outfield prospects in baseball and I just can’t understand why since all he’s done is hit since he was drafted. Has slashed .298/.360/.424 in his first 681 plate appearances in the minor leagues. Advanced approach at the plate with consistent sweet-spot contact that leads to line drives from foul pole to foul pole. His game power should start to come around this year as he learns to adjust his launch angle)

     53. Luis Garcia (considered, by several teams, as the best prospect to play in the Gulf Coast League, where he dominated with a .433 on-base percentage. Well-above-average defensive shortstop with range to both sides, soft hands, quick feet, fluid rhythm and an accurate strong arm from the hole. Mechanically sound at the plate, resulting in a quick-to-the-ball smooth swing)

     51. Alec Bohm (No doubt that he has a special bat with above-average power. His stroke is short, has a high contract rate and he isn’t afraid to take a walk. His advanced approach and above-average bat speed should result in a relatively quick route through the Phillies’ farm system. He’s a below-average defender at third base, but the Phillies are confident he’ll be able to stick at the position)

     It’s funny/different that Bowden is higher on the Phillies young bats than he is their arms.

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155. As Hinkie mentioned in an above post, Chris Russell was just on WIP and indicated that Harper has made his decision and is simply crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. Russell, whose Washington contacts have been good in the past, said that Harper wanted to get this done by Valentines Day so he and his wife could celebrate.

     Russell also said that he believes Harper is going to the Giants because he does not want to face the Nats 18 times and prefers not to look like a traitor. He did note that this was merely his opinion and no one had told him this.

     I am mentioning this because The Shadow [Phillies connection] said he does not believe Harper is even close to a decision and simply cannot see Harper going to SF. He continues to insist that its either going to be the Phillies or Nats.

     So, who knows? If Russell is correct, I cannot imagine that Boras can or will keep this quiet. On the other hand, as Hinkie mentioned, this could be the reason MM has not signed yet with the White Sox and in fact met a few days ago with AJ Preller of the Padres.

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     1. The posters were mentioning 702 has gone quiet perhaps he knows Harper isn’t going to go to the Phillies?
        I was getting good vibes but not so much anymore. If this russell guy has good info, it may not be good us Phans. Hope I’m wrong

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        1. Thank god…. it sounds like it is finally about done. I couldn’t take anymore …. like 6 weeks ago! If this dude is wrong, on the timeline, I’m going to troll his show

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        2. Seems some SF sportswriters are banking on Harper playing in Oracle this year.

           https://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Giants-emerge-as-odds-on-favorites-to-sign-Bryce-13608434.php

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        3. 702 posted he will not be in touch with his source until Monday.

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156. 702 just responded and said his vibe, based on what he had been hearing was that Harper was getting antsy and wanted to begin facing live pitching and he felt a decision would be made this weekend. Shadow said the Phillies have not heard anything and he is skeptical that any decision has been made. It does seem to me that where there is smoke, there is fire.

     I guess what I am saying is that it sure does seem like this is going to end soon, too much noise for it to go on much longer. And if Harper signs, I cannot see MM being on the market much longer and if the Harper to SF news is correct, there sure will be a lot of pressure on the Phillies to get Machado.

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157. If Harper signs with SF, there will be multiple questions about the decision. How much is he willing to have his offensive numbers muted by Oracle Park (or whatever it’s called)? How many more years is he willing to suffer with a losing club that is light years from competing with the Dodgers and the other better positioned division rivals? And why would he leave all that money on the table by walking away from the Phillies offer? Does he feel any loyalty to his union brothers….uh, scratch that one. We know the answer already.

     Well, if it’s the Giants he wants, I guess he’ll be happier living closer to home. Just don’t want to hear about what a competitor he is.

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     1. I still don’t see Harper signing with the Giants.

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     2. Giants were reported to offer him 6 years…means he comes out again at 32.
        Now do not know what the AAV would be..assume it will be $30M plus….they have the space this year ($173M)…and then they go down each year after, so i could see a 6 yr @$200/210M contract with them

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        1. I don’t think the Phillies are going over 8 for either. They’d rather front load the contract, and hope he opts out. We have witnessed the end of the long term contract. Stanton got the last one imo, unless someone in a “super two” status gets locked up very early. Even trout, at his age, won’t get passed 6-8. 6 is fair, and from there they should do 1 yr deals with option year

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           1. Agree.
              Macphail said every situation is different…but have to take into consideration the age of the player at the time…these two at 26 can long to a fairly lengthy contract.
              Maybe 8 max.IMO.

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     3. Objectively, his going to SF makes little sense for the reasons you’ve outlined.

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        1. Maybe his wife had a lot to say about the decision.

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     4. The perception that he mostly wants to be a creature comfort rock star over a championship caliber player would be verified. IMO.

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     5. agreed, 8mark

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158. I sure hope that the back channels have been open this whole time with Machado because Russell’s info has been good so far. I am not giving up hope yet for Harper, but this wasn’t great news, albeit the choice of team was only Russell’s opinion. Even with Klentak declaring that they ” had an objectively excellent off season” even without Harper or Machado, he’s wrong, and maybe he did fine, but the organization gets “excellent” marks only with the addition of one of them.

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     1. matt13…the fan perception will be disappointment and unsuccessful if the Phillies do get one of them
        Even if Machado is the one…..there could be some letdown since apparently the majority of the people want Harper.

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        1. Phillies do NOT get one of them

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        2. No way that’s true. I’m excited to get one and never expected two

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           1. And if they get none?
              Still excited?

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159. If it is the Giants…Sabean was corr ct….no one had them picked to sign Bonds and they came out of the woodwork and signed him…..and if it is Harper, it will be more of the same.

     Phillies will have to make a concerted effort now for Machado if the Giants rumors are correct.

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160. Rather see giants than nationals. He’s harmless there since they will still suck.

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     1. Agree with you sr.
        And will be that way for awhile since they have no pitching and they are aging…Posey and Bum’s best days are behind them.

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     2. Will still hurt

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161. There is a report that McPhail is having a press conference at 2:30 pm, can anyone confirm this? If so, McPhail is always the guy who tamps down expectations so…..unless the Phils sign Machado, a guy that McPhail loves.

     Again, who knows, as I am here on the Left Coast?

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     1. https://www.mlb.com/phillies

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162. It will only hurt if we don’t get Machado. Machado at 3B is a better fit, except for the need for a left handed batter. Machado’s D tips the scales. Then Franco gets moved for something of value, maybe to SD. And, we get to have Hinkie posting. But, losing out on both would royally hurt.

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163. Phils sign Harper for 5 years???

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     1. MacPhail is answering questions from many reporters,
        1……still no answer on FA.
        2. Answering questions on Gabe and his off-season issues….he was fully vetted before he was hired…and they are satisfied with Gabe.
        No self-pity with Gabe at all ….not even as his house burned down to the ground.
        He is full of energy.
        3. FA market situation…..not a lack of a market…he is amazed at all the hooplah…..MLB teams signed FA last year almost to a tune of 1/2 Billion.
        He thinks it is a strategy employed by others ‘in their best interest’…assume he means agents.
        4. Last year’s performance was ‘ too erratic’…Franco, Neris, Williams and Doobie…one year more experience may help
        5. LTC…8, 8 10 years….case by cse situation…26-years old plat=y a factor….depends

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164. I think anyway this falls, the Phillies are going to be a great position. BH and or MM is a welcome addition, but I really believe that the timeline has been sped up, significantly. I’d prefer BH over MM for attitude and upside, but MM is the safer long term player to sign, minus his antics.

     We have a pitching staff and bullpen in place, more reinforcements on the way. If they sure up that defense, MM will help greatly.

     The Phillies scenario could very soon be like the Nats, that they don’t need Harper, they have Robles. Phillies will have Moniak and Haseley knocking on the door soon enough, minus the Massive contract.

     If BH goes to SF (what a bad career move in this fans eyes), MM will simply then be a Phillie. It’s that simple. The addition of Realmuto locks that in for me…. PA is a lot closer to his “home”. yanks are out to me, so we are set for MM then… and of course will have to wait even longer now 😂

     Sit back and enjoy, the end is near

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165. Tac3, I like your optimism, but when Mickey and Haseley become Robles, I think we will all be very happy.

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     1. Matt – even watching years of Tom Herr can’t kill my enthusiasm.

        With a middle of the order of Hoskins,Realmuto,Machado and support of Herrera,McCutchen, and on The upside Kingery, Quinn, And Williams. It is good enough to win when you add in a young RF who is better than Williams, followed by a possibly replacement for Herrera to hold us until Trout.

        Get our arms in there, they will be at least wildcard hunting for the next 5 years, with expectations of the FO improving.

        There are many ways for the Phillies to get to the WS & win it. It doesn’t have to go through Harper or MM. you’ll see. Just relax and watch that supposed SP weakness go all year this time.

        If no harper, then I really hope he signs with the Giants, it will make the road the WS that much easier, than him to the Nats l

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     2. Moniak or Haseley = BH? Say what? Look, I like Haseley quite a bit and maybe he turns into a good littler player, but he’s not a guy you can rely on being an every day regular right now, let alone a potential superstar. Let’s keep it real here. BH is a world of difference better than the other alternatives. He’s a potential massive upgrade – a potential 3-8 game improvement.

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        1. I didn’t say that. Moniak/Haseley do not equal BH, nor does Bohm equal MM.

           The Phillies imo need 1 more big bat. Whether it is BH,MM, or trout, they need 1 to add to their current core offense. You can fill in with Haseley for now, and be ready to go whenever that last offensive bat gets here. It can be FA or trade.

           Let’s not get down if BH&MM go Elsewhere. The Phillies FO has put them into position to pivot if that happens.

           There are many ways to finish this rebuild off. The offense is just about complete, signing MM would top of off for me. That is a WS capable offens to me. If The rest is overkill. Spread the wealth to other areas of the team. Bullpen and bench are basically set to me. It’s one more bat and SP arm, and that “could” be developed from
           The farm, with a few more supporting pieces on the way.

           BH and Mm are not the end all be all

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166. I feel the need to repeat what I posted a little above. I listened to Chris Russell on WIP. He has a source who has been reliable to this point. According to the source:

     * Harper, his wife, Boras, and members of the Boras team have been meeting in LV since Monday.

     * The source also indicates yesterday, Harper made his decision, and was in a celebratory mood.

     * It might take a few more days to cross the “t’s” and dot the “i’s”.

     The prediction of where Harper would sign did not come from the source. Instead, it was Russell’s opinion that if the Phillies offer wasn’t overwhelming, Harper would pick the SFG’s because he felt Harper wouldn’t like the pressure of playing in Philadelphia, and he also thought Harper would feel awkward playing in the same division as the Nationals (“He wouldn’t want to be perceived as a villain in DC”).

     The interview was a little weird TBH. The first 90% of it, Russell seemed to lead the audience into thinking Harper would be a Phillie. Then, he gave his opinion of Harper to the Giants for the reason I stated above at the end of the interview.

     I’m sorry. I just find it very unlikely Harper/Boras would turn down the biggest offer/most guaranteed money because of fear of negative reaction upon Bryce’s return to Nationals Park.

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     1. And I take back everything negative I said above about Harper if he signs with us😉

        Get it done, Hinkie! (I feel like you’re on the negotiating team)

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167. Boras ain’t letting Harper sign a lesser deal because of sentimentality. Absurd

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168. In Hinkie I trust

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169. I have nothing important to say.

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     1. BH to SF and MM to PHI
        Here is why:
        Nats radio guy knows BH has signed. I believe him. His opinion is SF, is just that his opinion, but I believe he is correct.

        BH probably doesn’t want to face his old teammates
        BH probably doesn’t want to hurt his relationship with the lerners
        His wife probably wants SF over PHI
        And …
        He is probably pissed off that the Phillies won’t put the 9/360 offer back on the table. Something tells me he won’t be able to mentally get over signing a lesser contracf from the same team. Ego, etc

        Yes … I’m sure he doesn’t want to be a villain in DC either. He could opt out and come back in a few years once they can hit him on the team. LeBroneque

        …but I am feeling MM to PHI, to me it’s a lock if Bh goes to SF. Bad for his stats but good for his heart,mind, and family.

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170. I resolve to not be disappointed. We’re too good a fan base to not have a little luck on our side. Haseley is not BH but I do believe he can be pretty darn good and he could be up sometime this year.

     Bohm could come quick too. If we miss out many will probably bash Johnny cash for the stupid money comment. I won’t be one of them. I appreciate what John was trying to do in the heat of the moment.

     I’m ready for to play some ball!

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171. It’s funny hearing people knock these guys now that it’s not so sure that they want to sign here. It’s a bad look. And to say that Harper isn’t one of the best in the game is laughable.
     Also who knows what the Giants plans are for the future. They’ve been to more WS then we have over the past however many years, no? I’m back on the I don’t think we get either train 😒

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     1. EricD…IMO, if you are correct, and the Phillies get neither of BH or MM….then can see them going out and signing DK for their rotation

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     2. That’s a shocker, Eric D.

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        1. I agree with you 8mark

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           1. Shocker?

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172. I won’t be disappointed either way. I told @Sr…over 5,000+ posts ago in October that I didn’t think we would get either one. I must say it has been enlightening from than to now. Hinkie you might want to consider what your taking to Elba.😎

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173. am I missing the post that says we aren’t signing either player? if someone has that information, please let us know. we have one washingon journalist whose personal opinion is SF. do boras clients really turn down biggest offers?

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174. Trevor Bauer speaks on MLB FA solution:
     “…..Trevor Bauer made the Cleveland Indians cringe, the unemployed free-agent class think and the players’ union listen. In addition to airing his grievances about the arbitration process and the “character assassination” he endured, Bauer presented his own radical idea for getting the money he believes he’s worth….As free agents have struggled to land long-term deals over the past two winters, the 28-year-old believes that signing only one-year contracts would make him affordable to all 30 teams, even with an annual price tag of at least $35 million.”

     …Charlie Finley suggested this 40 plus years ago…..all players sign one year contracts…and become free agents every year….supply and demand will balance out the the mass number of unemployed.

     MLB owners rejected the idea.

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     1. Marvin Miller also nixed the idea. He wanted a small amount of players reaching free agency each year Low supply, more demand. The pendulum may have swung back in the owners’ favor, but increasing the supply certainly won’t help the players.

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175. Herrera
     Segura
     Hoskins
     Realmuto
     McCutchen
     Franco
     Williams/Alther/Quinn
     Cehe/Kingery

     Is a pretty high powered offense. I think some are discounting Segura. He can improve coming to CBP as well.
     Add in A big step forward from Kingery, a small step for Franco, and Haseley. I think it’s better than some are thinking it will be

     The bullpen will be near the top of the NL. The bench will be top notch, and the SP is closer than we think. Not homerism either. If Nola can reasonably repeat, we can reasonably expect Arrietta to improve now his knee is healed. Throw in the stats from Hinkies link on Pivetta,Efflin,And VV breaking out … you can see it.

     The bigger area will be to be clutch vs our division rivals. If they do, it is going to be hellva year. Add in MM for more insurance, but the team should be in position from the FO as is to compete for the WC and/or division as is.

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176. I’m reading some unrealistic postings above. Here’s the reality – the Phillies need a legit #3 hitter to contend in the division. If they do not sign one of the two, they will not contend. They may not contend even with one of them if the starting pitching doesn’t step up. The Phillies do not a #3 hitter in their organization. Not a single one. Bohm, Haseley, Moniak, Randolph, and Kingery are all top draft picks but none are potential #3 hitters. Garcia is too young and too faraway to know for sure. Klentak – sign one of the two please!!!

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     1. Player 1:
        .265/.344/.455 triple slash, .342 wOBA

        Player 2:
        .270/.340/.484 triple slash, .353 wOBA

        Player 1 is the MLB average #3 hitter in 2018. Player 2 is Realmuto in 2018. Let’s not get too caught up in labels. Our offense is fine with or without one of the big two. Plenty enough to compete. I’d still like one of them to make us even better, but they aren’t a necessity.

        Also, for those concerned about our pitching staff; we ended the year 6th in MLB for fWAR, 7th in FIP, and 6th in xFIP. First in our division in all of those categories. We’ve gotten better. The Nats may challenge us in that regard, but their BP is still suspect. The Mets are a giant injury risk and they haven’t improved as much as we have.

        The team as-is has a great chance to win the division. One of the big two is just icing on the cake at this point (which I expect, because who has cake without icing?).

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        1. 7th in FIP, and 6th in xFIP. ….and with Seura at ss, Realmuto behind the plate and anyone but Rhys in LF…….the defense should be shored up even more.
           Now adding Manny for third ensures the icing

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        2. Necessity? I don’t care if an impact corner outfielder or third baseman is a necessity. Right freakin’ now is the opportunity to improve the ball club even more so. To sluff it off as, yeah it would be a nice luxury to have one but we’ll be okay without either is total malfeasance if you’re a front office executive of a team with loads of cash to spend, then turn and say, we’re good. C’mon!

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           1. Like I said, I expect them to still add one of them. I also want them too. But it’s unfair to say we can’t compete with the team as is. We absolutely can. And if no amount of money will sway either player to put on the right pinstripes (which I severely doubt), then we can still applaud our front office for an offseason of great moves.

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        3. Dan the best part is his road split last year was .283/.350/.520 with a .372 wOBA and a career .310/.358/.494 with a .364 oba. Pretty crazy to think about him potentially improving on those numbers.

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           1. Everyone would welcome another bat or even 2. I don’t see if being necessary.

              For this year, the road for that playoffs is through the NL East. You can add Corbin, Cano, Realmuto,etc It’s not going to matter if you don’t take care of business against the East. Corbin can pitch 8 shutout innings … and if they bullpen blows it in the 9th, that is really going to hurt this year, more so than others, with how tight race is expected to be. The divisionAl losses will be less forgiving than other years. The best aspect the Phillies can have is to be clutch vs the Mets,Braves,And Nats while pounding the fish.

              Adding another bat isn’t going to mean as much if they go 0-4 vs Degrom. They need to win those games. They can’t go 8-11 vs the Mets this year. I don’t even want to look up their record against the Braves last year cause I know it’s worse.

              This year will be better to be lucky than the stacked team. It’s just a different dynamic that we’ve seen for a long time, with 4 teams in east in the top half of the NL.

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              1. Tac3….they were 17-34 last 51,
                 ….they go a little over .500 those last 51 games…27-24…and they are there.
                 I think they have addressed some of those flaws in the last 51 games.

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                 1. Romus, agree. See my post below about the Braves numbers vs the NL East & the rest. The Braves can’t get much better against the Marlins but the Phillies can! I’d say all the team minus the Marlins closed that 10 game lead. Whoever wins the division, should only be around a 3 game lead. 5 would be the most I could see

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        4. I’d be more curious about what a average playoff team #3 hitter is than a league average. This isn’t basketball or hockey. Average teams do not make the playoffs. Eapecially not in this division this year.

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           1. Ask and ye shall receive.

              .271/.354/.473 triple slash, .353 wOBA

              So he stacks up in that regard, as well.

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              1. That’s hard to believe.

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        5. You’re drinking the coolaide. You can’t compare against all #3 hitters, compare against the playoff teams only. We need Manny or Bryce. No question.

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177. I am trying hard to remain optimistic and hold onto Hinkie’s Thesis but if Russell is correct about Harper and the Giants, I figured I would begin to see a few things coming out of the Bay Area from “those in the know” and sure enough, here it was.

     I am a subscriber to The Athletic and because I am and always have been a huge Warriors fan [grew up in the Bay Area] I get the Bay Area news [Warriors, Raiders, 49’ers and Giants] as well as the Philadelphia stuff [only care about the Phillies here.]

     And sure enough, there is a new article up, written by the Giants beat writer.Grant Brisbee, for The Athletic entitled “Don’t worry about the money Bryce Harper will make if the Giants sign him.” Now, at first glance one could surmise from the title that perhaps Brisbee is just trying to convince fans that IF Harper were to sign for outrageous yearly amount he might be worth it.

     But Brisbee goes into great detail about how watching Harper will be so much fun and entertaining and ends the column with this…”buckle up, because we might have an answer before the 2019 season starts. Can’t wait.”

     Now if I am allowed to connect the dots here, from reading the article I suspect [hope I am wrong] that Brisbee has been given some inside information that he is not allowed to print yet BUT if he wants to write about the possibility, feel free. If you read the article it sure sounds like Brisbee knows something…and its not good for the Phillies.

     Given the timeline,it sure would fall in line with the reports that an executive from the Nats was in Las Vegas earlier in the week and then left for West Palm Beach as Chris Russell did say that Boras had promised the Nats one last chance to top any offer and Russell did surmise on the radio that he was pretty convinced Harper wasn’t coming back to Washington.

     I sure hope I am wrong, feeling very deflated right now, but that article sure reads like it was written by someone who is ready to burst at the seams with the info that he knows…and is doing all he can to keep from screaming it out loud.

     And one more thing. McPhail sure looked like a beaten man today, my guess is that he might have been told the news from Boras that Harper was going west. Again, I hope I am wrong…but I have always been an advocate of the Duck Theory…if it walks, quacks and swims like a duck, its probably a duck.

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     1. As MacPhaill said in reference to one of the writers question on the free agents at hand….’the Phillies are only one-half of the equation’
        I just hope Andy can do his magic again with Machado as he did in 2010……but that was with Boras as the agent and it happened a few minutes before the deadline for draftees to sign.

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     2. Well it’s had hope but I’m not too crushed as I had a feeling all along that the Phillies wouldn’t get Harper.
        It’s fine to make Machado a rich man! Phillies can give him the Harper contract.

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        1. * I had hope

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178. Just saw that Harper commented on Hoskins new post on instagram “suhhh kid_”

     Hoskins was saying missed this walk to work with a pine tree in reference to spring training.

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     1. Meaning….???

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        1. No clue but some are taking it as a good sign. All I know is i’m Glad he isn’t posting on any Giants players instas

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           1. On 94, Joe Giglio mentioned it as well. Harper playing with our heads or what?

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              1. Kiiiid was Trouts nickname when players had nicknames on jerseys

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                 1. “Suhhh kid”= ‘Sup kid/what’s up kid. Kid is just another way of saying bro/dude.

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179. Braves will have a hard time getting back to 90 wins in 19. They won the NL East going 22 games above .500 at 49-27 for a .644 winning %. They went 8 game last below .500 vs the rest at 38-45 for a .457 win %. I don’t see them playing as good vs the East this year. They went 14-5 vs the Marlins, I can see that repeating, but not the rest. 12-7 vs phils. Phils tighten that up 10-9 and play the Marlins better, it’s a large part the 10 games back they finished back. Of course not all will go so well, but right there is a realistic path to get this team closer to 90 wins. Don’t slack off agains the marlins, and play the Braves more evenly. Should be doable given the uogrades

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180. Anyone notice the 🤘 sign? That’s Rhys deal!

     Also you know that i don’t know but I really know shrug people give? 702 did that when people were discussing Harpers signing happening soon

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181. I still have no doubt the Phillies sign one of BH/MM (my self imposed 6 month ban is still in effect). I also think Harper is the guy the team eventually lands, despite Chris Russell’s opinion. I just find it hard to believe Harper/Boras would settle for less money just to avoid a negative reception when he returns to Nationals Park. That makes no sense.

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182. According to Hector Gomez, The CWS, Padres, and NYY have all made bigger offers to MM than the Phillies. If true, that tells me the Phillies are completely in on Bryce Harper.

     I mean that the team that has made the best offer to Manny Machado is #WhiteSox; then #Padres, #Yankees and #Phillies follow. https://t.co/WAntjzDmtm

     — Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) February 16, 2019

     I just can’t see Harper/Boras turning down stupid money.

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     1. How do you believe this guy since the agent is the only one talking to the reporters?

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183. 👀 pic.twitter.com/cV2R5jmbYV

     — Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) February 15, 2019

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     1. Click on the above, and see who liked it.

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        1. Hinkie, when is enough enough?

           I’m with you on Harper coming here. Machado has barely been on our radar since his Dec visit to CBP. If Harper’s little social media bites with Hoskins doesn’t lead to his arrival here, he will be hated exponentially from when he wore a Nats uni. It’s one thing to not like Philly, but to “like” Rhys’ Instagram posts is nothing but taunting this fanbase if he opts for SF or WAS.

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           1. I agree dude

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           2. 8mark – Wow, you’re up early. I can never remember a more boring offseason. It’s been three months of the same articles, opinions, and posts. During the World Series, I predicted that the Yankees would sign Machado within a week. I saw this “dog and pony” show last winter, and thought that Manny wanted no part of it. I should have known better. I had been a part of several union, and individual negotiations, and they always drag out until the final minutes.
              I still am optimistic, and sometimes in life the expectations are worth the wait, but in this case I’ll be devastated if we come up empty-handed..

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              1. Good morning, Wawa. Yeah it’s early but Hinkie’s been burning the candle at both ends. And it’s 4am in Vegas, no?

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           3. Their friends. He has to stop doing things he would normally do bc it might get fans exited for no reason? That seems kinda kid like . . .

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184. 8mark – I’m an insomniac, among other things.

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     1. That’s better than being a Phillies fan trying to follow this 3 ring circus right now, Mike.

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        1. Yesterday, while shopping at Walmart, I was looking for Bryce Harper. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve run into Mike Tyson and former Eagles linebacker Jerry Robinson in the same store.

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           1. Wawa – what’s the buzz in Vegas?

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           2. Wwa…..Mike Tyson….after Hangover or before?

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              1. Romus – After. About a year and a half ago.

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        2. 8mark – I agree
           It’s less stressful when you’re not getting duped by fake insiders (fake buster olney) and people jumping on you.

           Now that I’ve trusted Hinkie and the trusted media, I am at peace.

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           1. Looks like Jon Heyman from last evening….who seems to have a direct line to Boras….is being a little coy and non-committal:

              Jon Heyman‏
              Verified account
              @JonHeyman
              16h16 hours ago

              Think the #SFGiants are doing well with their opportunistic approach this winter. They’ve enhanced their depth at minimal cost. Big question is how aggressive they will be with Harper, but like what they’re doing so far.

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              1. Can’t say that I’m sniffing anything from that tweet, Romus. Sounds pretty generic to me.

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              2. On the other hand, Eliot Shorr-Parks mentioned the American flag arm sleeves that Harper wore last season. The Phillies are (coincidentally or not) giving them away this season. So…there’s that😶

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                 1. Omg I saw that too

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185. Speaking of the Giants, its obvious that they think they have a chance with Harper. Yesterday, their GM Farhan Zaidi, who is a disciple of Friedman and the Dodgers and loves to tinker, admitted that their are several moves he can make but is waiting to see what Harper does. Now, admittedly, Boras always likes to keep teams thinking they are involved, but reports coming out of the Bay Area are that the Giants might go as high as $40 million a year on a short term [3 years] deal.

     Boras has said that he is not interested in a short term deal BUT Boras also wanted Harper to take that reported 9/360 deal earlier in the off season and Harper said no. My point here…Harper may be that rare player who really does tell Boras what to do and not the other way around.

     If Harper took that deal he would be a free agent again at 29 and may believe he could still corral a 5-6 year deal after the next round of negotiations between the MLPA and the owners. I really hope Middleton is taking the Giants seriously because from my vantage point here on the Left Coast, and knowing the Giants well, I think they are serious.

     Remember, they got Barry Bonds when no one thought that was possible, and they can trot out Mays, Cepeda, Marichal and McCovey Cove. The negatives? Seem like a bad team to me, and one that even if they get Harper is probably a 3rd place team in their division. Harper has a career batting average of less than .200 at the Giants park and he will definitely see his home run total dwindle by 10-12 a year, its a Bataan Death March out to right field in that park.

     One more thing worth noting. I think Hinkie is correct that it does seem that the Phils have put almost all their money in the Harper Bazaar, especially if the Gomez report is true that the Phillies are a distant 4th in their offer to Machado, a guy we all know that McPhail and Klentak love.

     This also tells me something else. Machado has probably been told that if the Phils lose out on Harper, they will top any offer MM receives from another team so hang tight. Honestly, this would explain a lot about this seeming stare down between Lozano and Boras. Lozano is trying to keep Machado out their in case the Phils have the money to pounce, and Boras probably knows this and wants to keep Harper out their in hopes that Machado will sign with Chicago and make it easier to get more money from the Phillies.

     Look, we can still take the view that the Phils are seemingly in the cat birds seat but I also think its a dangerous game of musical chairs. I still think that its soon going to be time for the Phillies show all their cards to these guys and may the best may sign.

     Because if one of the Yankee shortstops looks bad, gets hurt or simply doesn’t pan out they could re-enter the market and Boras always believes that injuries in the spring can cause a seemingly disinterested team to enter the fray.

     By the way, it seems that Chris Russell is getting panned on some Phillie sites but he has proven to be wrong yet. Remember, he said that the final contract details were being worked out this weekend, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s as he put it. I hope this is not the case because it was reported that Howard Eskin saw Middleton in the hallway and asked him about the radio and Middleton said he heard it and was non-committal. My point here? Trust me, if and when the T’s are being crossed and the I’s dotted and it involves the Phillies, Middleton will NOT be wandering any hallways in Clearwater. The fact that he was is a bit disconcerting to me, but who knows if Russell was correct or not?

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     1. Sorry, CD. You’re beginning to lose me. Hinkie and I may have to resuscitate you.

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     2. CD –
        Sounds like no harper then?
        Phillies should now pivot to Machado before they lose out on both as I predicted earlier in offseason.
        I do not want to be right

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186. Meant that Chris Russell Hasdn’t been proven wrong yet.

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187. Even mlb.com is reading into every like, report, etc

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188. 8mark…LOL, not meaning to be anything but positive, merely trying to present a balanced view of how Boras sees things. He is a different guy, one that can prove maddeningly frustrating. Still have faith in the Phillies to get this done! Plus you must remember I am here on the West Coast and probably hear and see things that aren’t reported in Philadelphia. Just trying to let Phillies phans know what is being said on the Left Coast, a place where Harper does live.

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     1. Forgive me if you read this post from me 50 times before … but … “Nothing has really changed”. As far as I can tell, there is still only one team willing to give Bryce Harper a long term/stoopid money contract (unless the Nationals are ok with going into luxury tax hell, or rid themselves of a group of other key pieces of their club going forward. And, I doubt they do that). According to most reports, It seems the last two teams standing are the Phillies and Giants. If SF is hoping to reel Harper in with this reported 3 year/120 million dollar offer, how is that going to compete with a long term, front loaded deal from the Phillies? Here is the abridged version of the 10 year/310 million dollar deal I’ve been posting Middleton could/should make:

        year 1 … 38 million
        year 2 … 38 million
        year 3 … 38 million
        year 4 … 38 million
        year 5 … 38 million
        opt out
        year 6 … 30 million
        year 7 … 30 million
        opt out
        year 8 … 20 million
        year 9 … 20 million
        year 10 . 20 million

        This offer gives Harper 124 million over the first three years. Would it really be worth it for Harper/Boras to take SF’s extra 6 million total over the first three years and pass up the Phillies’ extra guaranteed 196 million dollars ? Harper/Boras (and Machado/Lozano) are going to accept the pact that gives them the most guaranteed money. 310 million > 120 million.

        Also … remember John Middleton entered this winter willing to spend stoopid money. I was under the impression he would shell out 400 million to land his face of the franchise superstar. The market appears to have dried up for that kind of contract for Harper/Machado. Looks like the Phillies now won’t have to go anywhere near that figure, but it just goes to show John Middleton still has a lot more bullets left in his gun to win any shootout with the Giants, Nationals, or any other team.

        I like what the team has done so far, but MacKlentak and Middleton understand this squad still needs that “GUY!” They need Harper to sell out CBP, hike TV ratings, and just make the Phillies entertaining again. This team has been manipulating their payrolls the past three seasons to make sure they’d be well armed to sign Harper/Machado this winter. I don’t know the date, but I’m still certain they’ll get one, and it will most likely be Bryce Harper.

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        1. Hinkie – after your well planned laid out contract for Harper – don’t forget the onerous state/local taxes in California. Even though Harper would only play 81 games in California (at home- now add back the Dodger/Padre games) say 100 games altogether, he would have to pay 13% tax on 61% of his $ 40 million per year. And I am only cuffing these numbers since I am not a tax accountant. That means Phillies would have to pay him a whole lot less $$$ to just be even with what he would receive in SF. Now when you make 40 milliion a year that may be irrelevant – but at some point it becomes “real” money. In your example, he would be way far ahead with the Philly money net net.

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189. So, the great offer from the Giants is 3x$40 Million? I can’t believe that gets it done. First, Boras wants the highest contract, not the highest per year. Second, Harper would have to go back on the market after 3 years in SF, a ballpark I enjoy visiting, but one that will deplete his stats. So, we can’t beat that # anyway, and by a lot? I expect one of the two to sign here. I will be very disappointed if that doesn’t happen, and I am not going to delude myself into thinking we are good enough without one of them to make the Playoffs. I don’t think we are. If Harper goes elsewhere, and we don’t blow the WSox out of the water, then that falls on Middleton. And, MacPhail can have a hundred press conference talking about how we are improved, and it is not good enough. Sure, we are improved, but with everything we have done this off season, we are not improved enough.

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     1. Phillies have the most money so they WILL get one of them! Or at least I’m told and buying into.

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190. Macphail needs to stay away from media. Every time he opens his mouth, fans get depressed and cancel season tickets. He’s the anti- PT Barnum showman

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     1. Sr,,,LOL…he has been that way a long time..as a Twin and an O.
        I guess it may run in the family.
        i can tell you one thing……if Gabe does not get this team out to a good start with or without BH or MM….and if by May 15 they are something like 15-27….look for Buck Showalter to be coming.

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191. TrollU..I certainly did not mean to imply that I believe the Phils aren’t getting Harper. Logic would seem to indicate they are in the driver’s seat. But I am cautioning Phillies phans that the Giants are serious, and that the Phils should take them seriously. Look, I have made it clear I never was concerned about the Padres and it does seem that a whole bunch of hoops would have to be jumped through for Harper to make his way back to Washington.

     But logic doesn’t always play a part in why someone falls in love with San Francisco and reports here on the West Coast are that Harper’s wife loves the city by the Bay. She has been communicating with Brandon Crawford’s wife and has received a personal invitation from Mrs. Crawford to come to SF and tour the city, an invitation that Mrs. Harper seemed to indicate she might accept.

     My point is not to suggest the Phils won’t still win this game, they probably will. But I also sense that they are playing a waiting game, figuring they can always jump in at the end and in this case, that strategy may be flawed. I sense the Giants are giving him a full court press and Boras does have a good relationship with the Giants.

     I am not being an alarmist, but merely trying to point out that to me San Francisco is a whole different organization that some of the others. The Phillies didn’t take them seriously enough in 2010 and we all know what happened that year. The Phillies have the cards to win this game…but it seems to me that its time to play them before Mrs. Harper gets out there to visit Mrs. Crawford.

     Money talks…but so do wives. And Mrs. Harper has attended every important meeting this off season for a reason. She will have a voice in her husband’s final destination, I am convinced of it.

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192. I suppose what I am suggesting is this…Romus has consistently mentioned 9/333 as a number that would likely get this done…higher than 325 [Stanton’s nyumber] and an AAV of 37 million. Front load the deal with outs after maybe 4 and 6 years.

     The question Phillie phans might ask is “why should the Phillies bid against themselves?” My answer would be..because its worth it to get this done and make sure no late round challenger jumps in. The Phils will more than make up in revenue any money they spend in “overpaying” for Harper, heck the reports were that the day it was rumored that Harper had signed, the ticket box offices were swamped.

     Bryce Harper has the means to win over Philadelphia in a way that Manny Machado never could, not because he isn’t as talented but because of the way they play. Harper says Philadelphia through and through, Machado not so much.

     To me, up to now the Phils have played this well…playing each agent against each other and letting both players know that they will not be outbid. Kudos to the Phillies and I applaud them. Getting Realmuto moved the scales even more, big plus.

     But now its time, in my opinion, to close the game. I believe Russell in at least one area…Harper wants to get to spring training, bond with his teammates, start playing ball again. I believe this. I have maintained all along that the Phils will have to top $325 to get Harper signed, Boras will demand it. I believe Middleton knows this as well and will eventually capitulate.

     If so, why wait? Get Harper signed and into camp so the Phillies can begin receiving all that revenue that is simply waiting to be captured.

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     1. Wives!
        Hard to live with them at times….can’t live without them at all.

        Heck Rhea Hughes can give Mrs Harper a tour of Philly…..start at Chickies and Petes, down a few brews and have some crab fries…. and go from there!

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     2. One bullet that Boras/Harper can use is to tell Middleton to make it $325M-ish over whatever the number of years, or they will take SF’s 3/$120m. It’s a risk but at least they would help expedite the closure of a deal.

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193. Now you’re starting to sound like his agent

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194. The Washington Post is out with an article [sure Hinkie, who is good at this sort of thing! and thats a compliment] trashing Harper and suggesting the team will be better without him. One player said that Harper was a bad example for the rest of his teammates and then said “print it!” Also said that the Nats have known for months Harper was not coming back.

     This would sure seem to make those Nats official to Las Vegas this week meeting credible, my guess is that Boras told Washington they were not coming back so now the Nats are in post Harper mood.

     Would also somewhat correspond with Russell’s report that he didn’t believe Harper was going back to DC. Here in SoCal the talk is that the Padres offered Machado a huge deal and he is inclined to take it, we shall see.

     Looks to me like its SF or Philly for Harper.

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195. Players are getting disgruntled….talk of collusion in the air more and more:

     “It was stressful and it kinda dragged on forever,” Brad Brach said Friday morning at Cubs camp. “You hear about interest in the first week and then you don’t get offers until late December, January and you’re just kinda wondering what’s going on. Teams say they like you, but they’re not making you any offers. Then you finally get offers and 6 or 7 teams are giving you the same offer.

     “It’s just a weird process and nobody really knows what’s going on right now. Obviously I would’ve liked the experience to have been a little better. I’m just glad to be here now and glad it’s over with for at least this year and hope to pitch well enough to be here again next year.”

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196. Machado to SD heating up.
     Wow seems like there’s a legit chance Phillies don’t get either.

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197. CD, I agree with you. I don’t care any more about bidding against ourselves. It is time to get this done, and get the player into camp. There are other moves to be made whichever way it goes. Go in, and close the deal. Middleton time!

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     1. If Harper signs with SF, the upside is that the Nationals are weaker. The Phillies can then outbid SD for Manny. It’s a win-win.

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198. Howard Eskin spent a half-hour speaking with Matt Klentak this morning, and pretty much got him to say nothing.
     Who does Klentak prefer? Either Machado or Harper would be great fits.
     Wouldn’t/couldn’t speak about Mike Trout.
     Klentak did have some nice things to say about Cole Irvin.

     This morning on the show @SportsRadioWIP a terrific conversation with #Phillies GM Matt Klentak. Talking Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and the additions and possible needs. Here is podcast. https://t.co/kKwNOQwPfp

     — Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) February 16, 2019

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     1. His comment, when he was asst to Jerry Dipoto, on Jered Weaver signing before free agency and why he signed with the Angels indicates that he is apparently prepared to accept the outcome and move on, whatever Harper and Machado decide to do…. if money is not central to their decision..
        Also tells me the Phillies have the most money to offer to them.

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        1. Romus … the difference between the two examples Klentak brought up (Weaver and Nola) is they signed before reaching free agency. The reality is if a guy is willing to risk injury/injuries to finally make it to the open market, they’re looking for one thing: the most guaranteed money.

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199. OK … time to play “Guess The Unnamed Vet”.
     My guess: Stephen Strasburg

     "When the most famous player on the team can’t go 10 days without failing to run out a grounder or overthrowing a cutoff man or throwing to the wrong base, it’s hard to demand total alertness from the other 24. 'Write it,' one prominent Nats vet said." https://t.co/IV2rXWL6IC

     — Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) February 16, 2019

     It’s quotes like this that should fuel Bryce Harper to want to return to Nationals Park as often as possible as a Phillie to extract revenge.

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     1. MadMax.

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        1. Papelbon?

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        2. yes, since he made a point of saying “most famous” rather than “best”

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200. Dan Federico is reporting that SD is pushing extremely hard for a deal with MM and seem willing to meet his demand in terms of years. He says that SD is his likely destination. It seems like its BH or bust now for the Phillies. Hinkie has been my saving grace through all this madness & Im putting my trust in his opinion.

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     1. There are no secrets in baseball. Please note that if this report is correct, the Padres are making a move on MM just when it becomes clear the team with stoopid money is finalizing a deal with Harper.

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201. Fwiw Jim Bowden thinks Harper to Phillies is wrapping up and rounding 3rd base
     I’m too young for a heart attack. This needs to end soon

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     1. I’m not just saying this because of Jim Bowden’s latest comments … I’ve mentioned it multiple times in the past … Jim Bowden is the most clued in reporter on all things Scott Boras.
        Forget about “if” the Phillies sign Harper. It’s now a matter of “when” they sign Harper.

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        1. Thanks Hinkie – and we thought California Dreaming was the “most clued in.” Actually couldn’t refrain from that joke – you have both been instrumental in holding our collective hands in this mania…….

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        2. Yup I’m ready for it to end without signing either.

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202. Hinkie, I sure hope you are right. I will be thrilled to acknowledge that while I was pessimistic and sometimes worse, you never wavered in your belief. I am so ready for this to be done and signed.

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203. Per @JimBowdenGM, the Phillies and Bryce Harper are “rounding third base”

     — Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) February 16, 2019

     COME HOME PAPA BRYCE @Bharper3407 pic.twitter.com/dWWA9myOaL

     — Derek Brader (@TheRealDB35) February 16, 2019

     Harper should slide safely into home within the next couple of days now. LOL !!!

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204. Here is the Scott Boras savant, Jim Bowden.
     Phillies clearly the number one team for Harper. Nationals a distant second.
     Harper is ready to go.
     Contract will be at least 10 years, and 300+ million.

     Phillies and Bryce Harper “pretty well down the process here” pic.twitter.com/DhmHiZ0KXm

     — John Foley (@2008Philz) February 16, 2019

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205. Harper for 5 yrs, $200M or 6 yrs, $228M may be smartest offers. I still don’t like the long contracts. And if Giants get him for such a deal then similar offer to Machado at $5M less per year.

     I still remain absolutely fine without either. I know most here want one desperately but I say they are fine (maybe better!?) without. I love what they’ve added! And I fully believe every one of Hoskins, Herrera, Franco, Kingery, and Quinn (love his upside) improve this year. (And maybe more than if they have BH or MM.). Team chemistry is so huge. And I like the team as is.

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     1. JohnK….you need their bat in the lineup to get into the playoffs…..once in, then you need some luck, good pitching, defense and the proverbial timely hitting.
        I do not think the Phillies can get into the play-offs unless they have one of the two in their lineup..

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        1. I respect your comment and agree that having one helps their chances, especially on paper. But I’ll stand by this current lineup, with the improvements I expect and the chemistry I anticipate, to be a playoff team no doubt. I know I’m in the minority but I’m fine with that. Examples are all over the place but many can’t see straight anymore given all the BH/MM chatter.
           …Per latest rumors, it seems like we’ll never know.

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206. Well, well, if I may be so bold as to sum up what has been a, ahem, very interesting couple of days, here goes and given that I never believe Boras works in a vacuum, allow me to add that he has been a major piece in all if that.

     It started. in my opinion, with the Giants meeting, a meeting that I do believe gave San Francisco some hope that they were going to corral Harper. I think, as I have mentioned before, Harper and his wife were genuinely smitten with the place and gave the Giants hope that they might sign him. When they offered a short term high salary deal, Boras shot that down quickly…but I still think the Giants felt they had a chance, enough of one that the oddsmakers at one point made them favorites, gave Posey some hope…and gave Zaidi enough hope that he held off on doing some other outfield things until he sensed which way the Harper/Boras winds were blowing.

     Now I know others might dispute me [I completely understand why] but I believe that it was when the Giants moved to the semi-head of the class that Middleton got serious, as I was suggesting he should do earlier today. Especially after Chris Russell went on the Phillie radio station and waxed poetic about everything Philadelphia until the end when he gave reasons why he thought Harper might choose the Giants.

     Middleton heard that interview, even told Eskin he heard it, and was non-committal. My guess is this is when Harper’s proverbial rounding of 3rd base took place and Middleton got on the phone with Boras and said “let’s wrap this up.”

     A case could be made that Russell had everything right until he picked the Giants as the team, I do believe Harper met with Boras this week, I do believe he wanted to get this done, I do believe he made his decision then. I do NOT believe Boras told Middleton, this is so Scott Boras to use every bit of leverage to the end to get every dollar…and I think he succeeded.

     He used the Giants as bait and Middleton realized it was time to get serious. Thus we are now seeing a 10 year/300+ number for the first time and I am still predicting that when the dust settles Boras will be able to say he beat Stanton’s $325, even if it means adding easy bonuses to the $300+ million.

     Now lets see why I think Bowden is on to something, something that Boras has told him. Basically there were 3 other teams on Harper..the Giants, the Padres and the Nats. Well, if today is any indication, I believe they have all signaled surrender. First, the Padres turned their attention from Harper and on to Machado, even to the point that reports are Machado may well sign soon with them. This tells me the Padres know their out on Harper…and Machado knows he is out on the Phillies and must now use San Diego to get more from the White Sox.

     The Nats?? That vicious story today criticizing Harper from his former teammates would never have seen the light of day in the Washington Post if Harper were coming back, remember it was the Post that started that hit piece on Kapler a few weeks ago, probably in hopes that this would derail Harper to Philly stories. And if I were to guess which Nat was speaking out, my guess would be Scherzer, an outspoken clubhouse leader and also a Boras client. Interesting that whoever said it indicated the players have known for months that Harper was NOT coming back, interesting because half the Nats roster are Boras clients and undoubtedly talk all the time. Boras probably knew of this talk also.

     Finally, the Giants, the team that I still believe posed the greatest threat to the Phillies, simply because Mrs. Harper loves the city and its semi-close to his home in Las Vegas. Zaidi kept saying he was holding off on outfielders until he knew what Harper was going to do and I think he played his cards in the past couple of days, especially today.

     Today he signed Cameron Maybin, a guy they had been holding at arms length for a few days while they waited out Harper. They also signed Geraldo Parra a few days ago and Craig Gentry on Thursday [supposedly the day Harper made up his mind] and while none of them are on the 40 man roster, Zaidi has promised all of them that they will make the team.

     I also thought it was interesting that when MLB rumors announced the signing today, it was the first time in several days that when they listed “potential” Giants outfielders they did NOT mention Harper.

     Now do think a deal is done? With Boras its NEVER done till the ink dries. But I do think Middleton and the Phillies have his now undivided attention and that a deal could be announced soon, maybe on Presidents Day. And I do believe it was the Giants who got Middleton’s undivided attention, not because of any money fears but the fear that Harper’s wife might be so in love with the city by the Bay that Harper might just take a shorter deal for all the family benefits.

     Phew! Blast me if I am wrong here…we shouldn’t have much longer to wait! But if I were a betting man I would wager that Hinkie won’t be taking any forced vacations from this site any time soon…and we are all the better for it!

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     1. I think Matt sees it happening soon also:

        

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        1. Lol every time I see @pivettahype on twitter this pic is profile pic

           So do we know Phillies have made final offer?

           If they were rounding 3rd, wouldn’t it be done by now?

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           1. Monday seems like a good day for an announcement.

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              1. Because Presidents’ Day?

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                 1. Yeah, dead presidents!

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207. If Harper gets here, fine. As I have said before, a 10yr contract of $300m of guaranteed money is insane. Only, if Harper plays his heart out for 10 years and makes the Phillies an annual contender, would such a contract come close to making sense.

     If he doesn’t come to Philadelphia, I would love to see a lineup with Segura, Cutch, Hoskins, Herrera, Franco, Realmoto, and Williams carry the Phillies to the top. And save the $300m for tomorrow.

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208. So. Here’s my stab at what may be the final announced deal….

     I’ll say Harper gets 9 years guaranteed at say $36.5m AAV, totalling $328.5m. I also think a club “opt-in” for years 10-12 will be included yet in no way expected to be exercised. This is simply to give a more bloated look to the overall potential numbers for Boras and Harper to boast. The more significant multiple player opt outs should come following years 3-5, which as Hinkie has suggested would be weighted more heavily in an AAV closer to $40m. There may likely be a signing bonus which would add to the total value as well, maybe $5-10m which would bring it closer to Romus’ $333m guaranteed cash.

     It’s not official yet, we know. But it sure seems to be winding down the stretch. Special thanks in advance to California Dreamin and Hinkie for providing back story insight and grounded encouragement, respectively, to many of us invested in this long suffering process.

     This decision by all involved will provide the Phillies with a prime opportunity to be playoff relevant right away, and a bridge to a highly imminent Trout season. And while that may not come until 2021, let’s not underestimate this freshly aggressive front office’s ability to get something done sooner to bring the Millville Meteor home. (Can you say juggernaut?)

     As for 3b, I am fine with Franco getting a fresh start in his newly shaped up frame, along with a beefed up Kingery, to find out who might win the position if anyone. It seems like Moose is heading to LAA or SD, pending Machado’s decision.

     A midseason trade for a SP is very possible while we wait and see who among our outfielders gets moved. Nicky Dubs is the most valuable candidate. Don’t be surprised if a LHP is still acquired, either now or later, perhaps a swing man. (Williams back to Texas for Mike Minor?)

     LET’S GO PHILLIES!!

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     1. 8mark. – I can see 9, possibly even 8. What I really hope for is that the money is structured in such a way that It is a no brainer for Harper to opt out by the end of year 6. I think the FO is savy enough to figure that out. Hopefully the AAV is well below 40mil per year. I’d be happy with anything below 35, and I’ll accept 36.5 depending on the years.

        It just really really needs to be over one way or the other. Everyone who works in baseball needs to fix this. No other sport fumbles through the offseason like baseball

        All that said, once this dust settles, I’m Looking forward the intradivision rivalries. We are going to be watching playoff atmosphere earlier and often this season.

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        1. Players are getting a little pissed.

           https://nypost.com/2019/02/17/mlb-free-agency-mess-signals-end-of-fragile-labor-peace/

           However, what Neshek said about some ‘analytical’ type GMs getting fired when this boils over and the players to decide to strike or walk-out….just ain’t going to happen.

           The days of former players being GMs seem to be eroding and dissolving into oblivion, and two of those left Beane and Dipoto have morphed long ago over to analytical GMs. The new GMs have advanced degrees..some from Ivy League schools or well known scholastic institutions …and some , like Klentak, also have played baseball at the amateur level of some sort. So times are a changing.

           Will be interesting to see how the public perception is if the players decide to strike.

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           1. Romus – I read somewhere that Severino wanted his contract frontloaded just in case there’s a strike. Perhaps players are planning for it. Interested to see if Harper has a massively front loaded deal as well.

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              1. Yes….that will be interesting to see.
                 The Phillies these last two years have been one of the big spenders in the FA market on older vets(Arrieta/Santana/Cutch)….that bodes well for future FAs to see.

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           2. Interesting to see the public perception if the players strike? That pretty easy to predict – public perception will be overwhelmingly anti-player.

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              1. And could really look bad against the MLB players, if teams vote to increase minor league pay and per diem greatly……MLB players would be put in a pickle bargaining for more monetary gains while it would limit increases for minor leaguers
                 The optics would be terrible for the MLB players.

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     2. Agreed, 8mark
        Now, until the contract is signed, we shouldn’t get too ahead of ourselves. Boras is sneaky. Other teams could get desperate. But it does seem like we are very very close to the finish line.

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209. Romus, CD, Hinkie………..Boras signs player A to Team B for 10 years, $336 million. What is Boras estimated cut of the pie.

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     1. Jim….many different percentages….but the highest-paid MLB agent in 2017 was Scott Boras, who earned $108M in commissions from almost $2B worth of player contracts. Not a bad pay day! 🙂

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210. I’m at the point where I don’t care about the money or the years, I just want this ordeal to be over with. I don’t want to discuss possible strikes, or what may, or may not, have happened with Gabe while he was with the Dodgers.
     I want baseball again! I suffer from winter depression, and watching reports from Spring Training always meant that the worst of winter was behind me. The crack of the bat, and the pop of a fastball in a catcher’s mitt get my blood flowing. Baseball has always been my first love.

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211. I have heard Boras gets between 6-8 percent.

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212. 8mark and others…I should say thank you for your kind words. Hinkie has certainly led the parade here in reminding people of the final prize. Because of my knowledge of Boras and how he operates I simply wanted to add to what I knew would be what I call the process, that maddening, oft frustrating period that might eventually lead to the parade.

     I also thought it would be important because IF we get Harper you can rest assured that Boras will feel invested in the Phillies and we can expect [prepare?] for a slew of Boras clients in the future, not the worst thing in the world as long as you understand the process.

     I suspect that Boras doesn’t have the relationship with the younger Lerners like he has with their father and if memory serves me, the father is almost 90 and not nearly as involved. Middleton, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of owner Boras likes…still young for an owner, with a huge desire to win, and money to spend.

     Boras will feel a responsibility to surround Harper with the guys needed to win, lets face it, while the money is the primary reason Boras gets clients to their locations he also tries to put them in places where they can be successful team wise, that also increases a players worth down the line.

     My point…there was and is so much invested in the Harper story, those of you who indicate little interest in bringing him onboard because of the so called “cost” are likely being a bit short sighted when it comes to your affinity for the Phillies and their future success. Boras does not tie himself to losing franchises and one thing teams grudgingly know…Boras’s top clients always increase the value of the franchise due to increased revenue streams.

     I predict Harper will be a mega boom for the value of the Philadelphia Phillies. They are about to become the new darlings of ESPN.

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     1. We’ll never know, but I’d like to know how much more (or less) Harper got after not signing with the Phillies at an earlier date.

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213. Harper hasn’t signed anything. I get the excited but we got tricked 2-3 weeks ago thinking a deal was imminent. I think we all need to temper our excitement until this thing is done and announced.

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214. TrollU…precisely what I have been talking about and what I referred to as the “process.” This is how Boras works and its been successful for him. BUT, I think Bowden’s story has legs, and I think it does because I believe it came from Boras. I also think Harper is the Phillies to lose, I do not believe Boras would have put out that story if he were still negotiating with other teams, the Phils have his undivided attention and I simply cannot see Middleton losing Harper at this point.

     Heck, the Phils are as close mouthed as any team in baseball when it comes to negotiations, yet Bowden mentioned 10 plus years at 300+ million. Those numbers did NOT come from the Phillies and they are not simply arbitrary numbers that Bowden threw out there. Interestingly, the Phils did nothing to deny those words either, instead continuing to remain silent.

     Look, this is still Boras, I was told by Jayson Stark at least 5 times in his wonderful Sunday baseball columns writing for the Inquier in the 90’s that JD Drew was ready to sign with the Phillies and report to the team and we all know how that turned out. But Middleton is not Ed Wade/Montgomery and this Phillie franchise is not that Phillie franchise.

     Could this last till March? Sure. Could the Giants suddenly swoop in [ I saw yesterday their offer was 5 years/175 with an opt out after 2 years] and steal Harper’s heart away? Perhaps. But do I think either are likely?

     No.

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215. 10/$310 definitely beats 9/$360

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216. 9/$330 Million beats 5/$175

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217. FWIW Dept…David Sampson, former GM with the Marlins and now a baseball reporter just tweeted out that he is hearing that Harper is set to join the Phillies for 10/310+. Apparently its being reported that he is set to announce this on The Players Tribune. Before anyone thinks this has no legs, this is precisely how Kevin Durant made his announcement when he joined the Warriors.

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     1. Shadow says to be cautious due to an ex Marlin and Bowden being the only ones to report this. Hmm

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218. Getting warmer! “The Phillies and Bryce Harper have reportedly agreed to contract terms with Harper getting $310 million over the next 10 years.”

     https://thatballsouttahere.com/2019/02/17/phillies-bryce-harper-10-310/

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219. TrollU…while I am the biggest Shadow supporter here and believe I might have been the one who introduced him to this site, he has forgotten one key person who was actually the first to mention that he had heard that Harper had made his decision…Chris Russell who works for 106.7, the Nationals station in Washington.

     And, truth be told, if Russell had simply left out the part about his feeling that Harper would go to the Giants, it appears everything else he heard may have been on point. He said that he heard Harper made his decision after meeting with Boras and his family and wanted it done by Thursday, and even celebrated that night. He also mentioned that it wouldn’t be announced for a few days because the language of the deal hadn’t been worked out yet. He surmised that it wasn’t going to be the Nats and actually spent 90% of his radio suggesting it was the Phillies…before making his strange U turn right at the end of the interview and saying he felt it would be the Giants due to Harper’s reluctance to look disloyal to the Nats.

     Then this Washington story breaks yesterday completely bashing Harper and stating pretty clearly that the Nats organization and players not only feel they will be better without Harper, but that they have known for months that he wasn’t come back and the story ends with a player yelling at the reporter to “write it.” I believe said player was Max Scherzer, another Boras client. If Harper even truly had any concern about looking disloyal to the Nats, that story ended it and my guess is that Harper has known for quite some time about the feelings conveyed in the column.

     Then we hear Machado negotiating with San Diego, Giants suddenly adding more outfielders than Carter has liver pills and both Bowden and Sampson report what they are hearing. All the while, nary a denial from Boras or the Phillies.

     I have the utmost respect for Shadow and his sources, and have followed he and 702 probably more than I care to admit since I discovered them a few weeks ago. In my mind, Shadow is still on point but may not realize that what he suggested a few days ago when he mentioned how we might surmise something is close…that there would suddenly be a steady almost drip drip drip disclosure of reports…could actually be happening.

     Again, Boras doing Boras things should always be the words of the day, but the fact that Shadow has not heard anything from his Phillie connection lately should not be surprising…if things are truly close, this would be great incentive to stay as tight lipped as possible. Boras need not be as tight lipped, the Phillies absolutely.

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220. Again in the FWIW Dept…I can not confirm either of these stories but perhaps Hinkie or someone else can, but they sure are interesting and fit with the theme. A guy named Darren DeGaetano tweeted last night that he just heard it was suddenly going to be a lot more expensive to post ads on Phillie TV and radio this year. If this is true, I am sure the increase in cost is not because the Phillies signed Andrew McCutchen as a free agent, it would be because of Harper.

     Also, I saw a tweet yesterday that the Phils are having a Bryce Harper red, white and blue arm band day this year. Is this true or fake news? If so…….????

     To add my 2 cents to these two potentials. When the Phillies negotiated that 25 year, 2.5 billion dollar Comcast TV deal a few years ago, I remember it was widely criticized at first as being too small, that the Phillies could have gotten more. This caused Dave Montgomery, who negotiated that deal, to state very publicly that the potential for this deal was actually twice the amount [5 billion] if the Phils could reach certain advertising and performance clauses in the contract. He suggested, almost wryly, that the contract from Concast almost guaranteed that the Phils would be incentivized to put a good team on the field in order to maximize the deal.

     I believe this is Year 3 of that deal and if you don’t think Comcast has been pressuring the Phils to get something done, you don’t listen to business executives very often. Monty was a bit of a softy, Middleton not so much. He knows that to make money, you need to spend money. I think this is why he wanted Harper more than Machado.

     IF the Phils get Harper, they will pay for his entire salary not out of their pockets, but out of the pockets of the increased revenue that Bryce Harper, and Bryce Harper alone, can generate. And this has been Scott Boras’s mantra all along.

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     1. A game against the Rockies in May is an arm sleeve giveaway for kids 14 and under. There’s no pic of it as I’ve seen floated around. I’m looking at the mobile version so perhaps desktop is different

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        1. Probably what you already have:
           Rockies at Phillies
           Sunday, May 19, 2019
           1:05PM EDT
           CITIZENS BANK PARK
           Philadelphia, PA
           MLB Play Ball Day proudly supported by Chevrolet/Arm Sleeve (fans 14 and under)
           Power Ticket Promotion:
           Receive $12 of concession credit for the price of $10. The $12 concession credit may be used throughout the ballpark for food, beverage and merchandise at any Aramark concession or retail stand (excluding Hunt Auctions). The $12 credit is valid only on the game date stated on the ticket. Simply present the Power Ticket to a cashier for redemption.
           

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221. Listening to the NY based WFAN this afternoon and Rich Neer….as anti-Philadelphia as it gets-to the max….and talking Harper….saying he is going to the Giants in all likelihood….hah
     .

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     1. Harper hasn’t signed so anything is possible I guess.
        This is really becoming a circuit.

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222. Ok Heyman is reporting talks have intensified. That means things are super close.

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223. Lots of positive rumors. I’ll bet if the rumor is true on 10/$310 that the deal will be structured with more money in the early years followed by an opt out before a lower rate. Something like $35M for 5 years and then $27M for 5 years is very possible.

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     1. I suppose Nick Williams is keeping a close eye on all that is happening
        His future as a Phillies may hang in the balance.

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224. Phillies Private jet going from Vegas to Clearwater. Trying to research the legitimacy of this rumor.

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225. Rumors spreading that Harper will be a Phillie for 10 years and 310 million. Boras gets bailed out again by an owner. Still doesn’t beat Stanton, but will certainly beat Machado. Like saving half a face for the player and the agent. Now, back to your regularly scheduled rumors.

     — David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) February 17, 2019

     If true, this is the number (10 years/310 million) I have been proposing for weeks now. The contract will probably be front loaded and allow Harper to opt out when the yearly figures begin to decline.

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     1. This is the offer I have been suggesting for some time now:

        year 1 … 38 million
        year 2 … 38 million
        year 3 … 38 million
        year 4 … 38 million
        year 5 … 38 million
        opt out
        year 6 … 30 million
        year 7 … 30 million
        opt out
        year 8 … 20 million
        year 9 … 20 million
        year 10 . 20 million

        This would guarantee Harper 190 million over 5 years. Boras would claim a record breaking 38 million AAV. The lower yearly salaries over the second half of the offer would allow the Phillies to keep the cap hit to 31 million AAV against the luxury tax threshold. That would leave plenty of cap space to fit Mike Trout if/when he becomes available.

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        1. I would be happy with an opt-out after 5…he is going into his age31 season…and hopefully the Phillies will have prospects MLB already ready to come in.
           That is if he decides to exercise his option and test free agency again..

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226. Phillies scheduled off day tomorrow – staff has been told they have to come to work.
     Not sure if this is legit or not

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     1. *sales staff

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227. Here is the big picture of what MacKlentak and Middleton have done with this team.

     If the Phillies do eventually end up with Bryce Harper, the average age of their starting lineup would be 27.9. Average age of the rotation 27.2. Would create quite the window to contend.

     — Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) February 17, 2019

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228. It’s funny to see both sides still publicly negotiating/threatening alternatives even as this thing winds down to an end.

     As things heat up, hear Harper is talking to other teams beyond Philly, and Philly is still talking to both Harper and Machado. Feels like Philly-Harper is the most likely match at this point tho.

     — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2019

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229. Make it stop

     Jon Heyman
     @JonHeyman
     ·
     9m
     As things heat up, hear Harper is talking to other teams beyond Philly, and Philly is still talking to both Harper and Machado. Feels like Philly-Harper is the most likely match at this point tho.

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230. You know Harper to the Phillies is close when Mike Rizzo starts spinning the Nationals side of things … “we did all we could”.

     #Nats GM Mike Rizzo on Bryce Harper: "How do you do other business if you don’t have an expiration date on that offer?

     That doesn’t mean that we can’t circle back and do something another time — including now…" https://t.co/2bzwPM5FC4 pic.twitter.com/jduPh1Jh2F

     — Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) February 16, 2019

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     1. That about sums it up for Rizzo and the Nats…..still think though they want to keep Rendon at third for the next 5/6 years anyway, re-signing Harper probably negates that..

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231. I suppose reporters will beat St Pete/CLW port looking out for this and its passenger offload:

     

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232. Andy Martino says it’s nowhere near done and other teams are in still in it

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233. Jon Heyman
     @JonHeyman
     ·
     1m
     Harper talks with Phillies appear to be intensifying, but no word anything’s done and to this point it seems other interested teams haven’t been told they are out. That includes Padres, Nats, Giants, Chisox, multiple mystery teams.

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     1. Boras shopping Phillies offer

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234. Mous back to the Brewers on one year agreement

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235. Moustakas re-signs with Brewers, gets only 1 year again. Not Boras’ best job.

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     1. Matt13…soon you will hear the ‘collusion’ from him.

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     2. This might again be a players fault. Supposedly Mous turned down 3/$45 from the Angels because he wanted to return to Milwaukee.

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236. Rather have Mr. Hustle – gold glove 3rd base and better numbers + less coin. And will fit better in the club house. Harper will have to average 300 avg 40 hr 380 OBP 120 RBI to live up to that contract. He has never done it. Mr. Hustle would be a Gold Glove Silver Slugger.

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237. Bob Nighengale has spoken folks

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238. Conversation
     Bob Nightengale
     Bob Nightengale
     @BNightengale
     Bryce Harper, who has been waiting for someone to meet his price, appears to have found that team in the #Phillies. There is no deal yet but he will ultimately receive more than the 10-year, $300 million contract he turned down from the #Nats in September.

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239. Doesn’t seem like we are as close as we thought:

     Jon Heyman
     @JonHeyman
     ·
     1m
     As things intensify, Bryce Harper has multiple long-term offers for more than 30M a year. Philly is viewed as the favorite, as said here, but it is also said to an “evolving” market.

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240. Not sure what to think. Must not be a done deal with the Phillies

     Jon Heyman
     Jon Heyman
     @JonHeyman
     Padres aren’t kidding around and are said to have made serious offers for both Machado and Harper. Their bid for Machado is believed to be for about $250M (and about 8 years) tho there is the Cali tax and possibly deferrals. Bid for Harper believed to be for more than that.

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241. 9 at $330 Million, get it done John Middleton!

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242. Why do we want to overpay for Harper? Why are we bailing Boras out and playing his game? 8-years 250 million for either Machado or Harper. Take it or leave it. Phillies had a great offseason. I wish owners would let the front office do their job.

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     1. There is pretty much no margin of error with a 10 year contract. That said, Harper is still a difference maker and if he brings another title to Philadelphia, all will be forgiven.

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     2. And they’ll leave it. No thanks!

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     3. I agree with you in that the Phillies have had a great offseason. But if you want Harper it’s going to cost more than 8 years/250 million, which I wouldn’t consider an overpay at all; I bet the Nats are prepared to keep their original 10 year/300 million offer on the table to keep him (and just blow past the luxury tax). And the Phils aren’t “bailing out Boras” nor “playing his game.” They simply let him know that they will likely be the highest bidder at the end of this whole process, so sure, let Harper shop around for a while and try to drum up more interest, but at the end of the day he knows where the money is going to be.

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243. There are many ways to look at the Harper signing, and the money is the least likely factor. The Phillies will probably make up the entire $300 million this year on ticket sales, and merchandise. Another factor is that the Phils will be adding the best positional player available, and subtracting him from their divisional rival. Don’t be fooled by what you read. Klentak and MacPhail are still very much interested in Machado. John Middleton (the fan) will not allow the Padres to outbid him if he wants Manny too.
     The downside of all of this is that the Phillies will be at or over the cap, and it could affect the end game (Mike Trout). Keep in mind however, that Middleton wants to win this year, and is willing to put trout on the back burner, for now. If Trout really wants to come home, Middleton will make it happen.

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244. Another day of rumors. I don’t think this is close to ending and here’s why:
     Bowden says Harper and Phillies are rounding 3rd. All of a sudden contract values are coming out and other teams are “jumping in”.

     This reminds me of a few weeks when the Vegas twitter account got everyone thinking a Harper deal was imminent and here we are, still waiting.

     Very well could be wrong and this could be the smoke before the fire. Bob Nightengale also says things begin to leak out 24-48 hours before a signing so if that’s the case, tomorrow or today is the day.

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245. So the timing looks to be just about right… I’ll in “someones” hometown shortly with no idea of when this “star” has signed, after following intently for the last 3-1/2 months. The baseball gods sure have a funny sense of humor. It goes down Wednesday, book it.

     10@310 seems like steal now

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246. While the Harper watch continues … I’ve been getting wrapped up in college baseball (the season got underway this weekend) and the Keith Law shaming of Howard Eskin.

     https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/1097338389655896065

     https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/1097339568741933057

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     1. https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/1097343020901507072

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     2. Now this is garbage I do not come here to see Hinkie

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        1. DMAR … it’s funny what a comma can do. At first, I thought you were saying you don’t come here to me (Hinkie). 🙂

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247. Also … one of my favorite new follows on twitter is former Marlins president Dave Samson. Over the weekend, he reported the Phillies offer to Harper is for 310 million over 10 years.
     Samson tells it like it is. Here are a couple examples:

     This is called the final final. That is when agent calls other potential interested teams and says this is it: beat what we really have or we are going elsewhere. Only works when owners actually believe the agent and/or his words…..silver lining: the end is near. #waittosee https://t.co/CbXrQ7AniQ

     — David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) February 18, 2019

     I’m sorry? What is confusing you? Of course it is about money. He is happy to be a Phillie, if the price is right. @TPIRhost, it’s time for @Bharper3407 to come on down. #waittosee https://t.co/fOXxXmdPAK

     — David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) February 18, 2019

     Keep them coming, Dave.

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     1. Like I’ve been telling you, when it comes to free agency … it is always about the money. The only reason players turn down extensions, and risk injuries is because they want the most money any team will guarantee them. This is why I’ve been so certain the Phillies will sign one of Harper/Machado. They’ve manipulated their payrolls the past few seasons to allow them to spend stupid money this winter.

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248. First of all, Eskin is an idiot. The Phils are a good team and organization AND the team offering the most money. It is not either or.

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     1. matt13….Howard does not want Harper…he says he prefers Machado on the Phillies…said that on Sat AM show.
        So can understand his negativity to the whole Boras/Harper situatuion

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249. Mike Trout confirms he spent all winter hearing about playing for the Phillies. Still hasn’t shot down the idea of leaving the LAA to return to Millville and play for the Phils. I really believe he and his family are dreaming of the day Mike is playing in CBP full time.

     Mike Trout on #Phillies Free agent search: ‘I didn’t go a day this winter without someone asking, ‘When you coming to Philly.’ I can’t predict the future.’

     — Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 18, 2019

     You might remember Greg Murphy’s interview with Trout a couple years ago. Trout said (and I’m paraphrasing here) … You always dream of playing for your hometown team. I love the Angels, too. We’ll see what happens.

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     1. Seriously are you going to keep making the same posts for 2 more years? We get it. The repetition of the exact same point over and over is exhausting.

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        1. I’m exhausted by this whole exercise with Harper, Trout and Machado – yes, it’s in the general comments section, but if you look at the content of this site, due to no fault of our host, major league talk has become, by far, the majority of the discussion, which is very disappointing. You can go elsewhere for that chatter.

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           1. In defense of the commenters, it’s extremely difficult to have a conversation about the minor league players in the offseason because we get very little news about them until they’re playing. We basically only know what Jim tells us at this point.

              When box scores return, we’ll be back to focusing on our favorite Phuture Phillies.

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              1. I guess people tend to forget a few of the recent past lengthy ad nausea discussions:
                 1. 2013 thru 2015..Subject= Carlos Tocci….poster boy for NutriSystem /BowFlex debate
                 2. 2017-Sep2018- Subject- Mickey Moniak ….the bust factor debate.

                 Certain topics just tend to develop a life onto themselves into perpetuity.

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        2. Uh oh. You might get banned from commenting.

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        3. v1 … as always with you … I start my post saying I respect you and like reading what you contribute.
           However … TBH, yes, I’m going to keep on posting about Mike Trout. I was told (by someone who should have knowledge) that the Phillies would only sign one of Harper/Machado because Mike Trout was the team’s end game. Since then, you have posted that waiting for Trout was a stupid idea, and called for Middleton to sign both Harper and Machado.
           It now should be pretty obvious the Phillies are not going to sign both.
           Also … John Heyman has recently reported the same thing I have been saying.

           Regardless who they sign this winter, phillies will make a big play for mike trout in 2 years — provided he hasn’t signed an extension, of course. #LAAngels will try to extend Trout this winter, but while he likes it there, the whispers are that an extension now is unlikely.

           — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 15, 2019

           In the meantime, feel free to bypass my posts if they annoy/bore you.

           https://twitter.com/LONGER_DRIVE/status/1094722292112936966

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           1. I have no problem with you posting on Trout. My only request is that you post when you have new information. You keep posting the same POV over and over and over. It sucks up the oxygen on other discussion points. So if you have something new to report, then by all means.

              Also to set the record strait, I said not signing both Harper and Machado because you want to sign Trout in 2 years is stupid. If you look at their payroll commitments in 2 years, there is nothing that would stop them from signing all three stars. The Phillies have very little committed in 2021. they can absolutely afford all three. Therefore, not signing someone in 2019 just to wait for 2021 is stupid IMO.

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              1. 1. My POV (concerning Mike Trout and the Phillies) is never going to change. I post Trout updates that support my POV. Also, I’m not sure what other discussion points I’m sucking the oxygen out of. For the most part, we’ve spent the winter talking about free agency/trades/the make up of the Phillies going forward in the open discussion threads this winter.

                 2. Here’s how I (and from what I know, the Phillies) see the idea of adding all three superstars. Having Harper, Machado, and Trout all signed to LTC’s would total ~100 million dollar AAV’s for many years. All teams are charged another 15+ million dollars for player benefits. That would leave 95 million dollars of cap room to spend on the rest of your 40 man roster. Segura, McCutchen, Nola, Doobie, and Kingery are on the books for 52 million in 2021. That leaves 43 million dollars to cover Hoskins (arb1), a 3Bman, a new contract for Realmuto, 80% of your starting rotation, your BP, and bench. That just doesn’t add up.

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                 1. well the Phils were willing to go 5 years with $22 AAV on Corbin this off season in addition to one of Harper/Machado. so i don’t see why going $30 AAV for Machado would be a deal killer for Trout. Frankly, the signing that blocks this the most is Cutch @ $20m in 2021.

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              2. v1 I’m with you on the fact that not signing someone bc you are waiting on Trout is stupid, I actually think it’s borderline malpractice. I’d love to have Trout on the team now and in a few years however it shouldn’t stop you from going after 2 studs who are only 26. Also remember that when Trout is a FA he’s going to have about 10 years and close to 1400 games played, and that’s playing balls to the wall. Players don’t age the way they used to . . .
                 I’d rather have Machado and Harper now than one of them and Trout in a few years.

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                 1. i just don’t think that signing both now blocks you from Trout in 2 years. there are many things that a team can do to shed payroll to sign the best player in baseball. it is a non factor

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                 2. I agree. They’ve already saved money on Nola’s extension. The expectations here were that he would cost a whole lot more. And, I think it unlikely that Hoskins extends now that he is a Boras’ client. He’ll likely go through the whole arbitration process before entering free agency after the 2023 season, his age 30 season, with a QO attached (assuming that the next CBA still has a QO). Without a QO, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is traded before he reaches free agency.

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                 3. All that really matters is whether both the Phillies and Trout want him to be here. It’s more than reasonable to believe both do. 2021 is the final season covered by the current CBA. What happens in labor talks will be of greater import than the Phillies payroll at that time. If the Phillies were to sign both Harper and Machado now, chances are one wouldn’t be around long enough to pose that much of an impediment to a Trout contract, along with all the other moving parts under fairly short term deals. I think many people object to the whole idea simply because it’s a “too good to be true” scenario in their mind, coupled with their fears from previous regime’s ill advised attempt to keep the core together with oversized contracts. The time to dream big is now. It may not be around again for quite a while. And we’re not getting any younger.

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250. Yes, please make the repetitive comments stop – We all get it, the Phillies want Harper or Machado, plus Trout, nothing will stop them, they have stupid money, etc. Additionally, the constant Scott Boras will do this, or do that, etc is also exhausting. Bryce Harper’s wife’s best friend’s sister from college said he thinks this or that is out of hand.

     To catch’s point and V1’s point, this is the most intellectual site regarding this type of topic anywhere, and with a leader in Jim that does an outstanding job creating a balance of discussion without it becoming overly negative. I’m sure the rest of us can get started on some substantive discussion about 2019 or future free agency, beyond just these three players and what way the breeze is blowing today in Las Vegas or Millville.

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     1. 1. Haseley looks overmatched

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           1. he better get use to it…..Irvin is a Triple A pitcher and Haseley will be facing plenty of them…..though it is still early…..and Irvin may actually turn out to be a very good MLB left handed pitcher.
              Haseley, oddly, has good splits vs LHPs in his two years so far…close to a .300 BA versus them.
              Never realized that.
              Usually does not work that way with minor leaguers

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              1. I like Irvin. His stuff isn’t the best in the farm, but he is a top 4 or 5 for me, plus he has the added perk of being left handed right now. I’ll give Haseley a pass, pretty early in ST, if it is near the end and he’s watching those curves drop, we have an issue/learning curve to get over

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                 1. Clarifying: top 4 or 5 in terms of pure stuff.

                    If on a bottom half my team, I think he gets a chance at a SR spot, but right now his best shot to make the team is an injury, or out of this world AAA performance.

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                 2. Tac3…a true test for me is how he does 2nd time around the IL…..many pitchers struggle,after their first year there when they have had success…Eshelman abd , Thompson are two of the latest Phillies to have that happen to them.
                    Irvin and DLS will be put to the test this season in the IL….if they can do the same as last year with similar results….then it will be time for them to get their MLB stripes sewn on.

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     2. Glenn Bo … if we weren’t talking/opining about Harper/Machado/Trout/free agency/Scott Boras/stupid money, there would pretty much be tumble weeds rolling through the open discussion threads this winter.
        By all means, feel free to start a substantive discussion about something else.

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        1. I disagree, we added Cutch and Robertson. Traded for Segura and Realmuto. The pitching staff should improve with JT over Alf, defense should improve with Segura and getting Hoskins out of the OF and at least 1 SP and 1 position player should take a step forward. Without Harp or MM this team is significantly better.

           The crazy thing is if there was no talk of getting Harper or Machado at the beginning of the year we would all be celebrating how great this team improved. Instead some of you would still think missing at least 1 of the 2 would equate to a failed off season, but its not!

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251. I think we got trolled by Bowden IMO. All of the national writers jumped on because they probably thought it was legit. This can drag on a few more weeks.

     In the meantime, lets talk about the players that we CURRENTLY have.

     Very encouraging that Eick took 20 pitches IMO
     Ready to see the Cutch, JT, & Hoskins part of the lineup

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     1. Thoughts on the pitching staff. The Phillies have 6 starting pitchers with MLB experience. I have long advocated that Velasquez be moved to the bullpen, because that is where he can best help the team. We don’t need Kimbrel with relievers like Dominguez, Velasquez, Robertson, and Neris. We also don’t need a FA starting pitcher. Irvin, Suarez, and De Los Santo are all just a small step away.

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        1. Wawa…I like to see Gabe employ an ‘opener’ like Seranthony for the number three slot , day off …then the number 5 slot(he gets a day off between those starts) …let Nola and Arrieta take their turn , then have Seranthony again for the number three slot and five again, and keep on that cycle.
           So he would be the ‘opener’ for either VV, Eflin or Pivetta.
           Seranthony was a starter up to two years ago in the minors and for two innings to start a game could be a game changing weapon.
           At the end of a full season he would be in 60 or so games.
           Rays did it 55 time last year….and finished with 92 wins in tehat AL-east division, and it was effective.

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252. i wish there was a chance to work Irvin into the rotation. don’t think he has much left to prove at AAA. we need to see if his stuff will translate to the majors regularly in the rotation

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     1. sr….Klentak was talking highly about him on one of the multiple podcasts coming from down there.
        If a starter goes down for awhile, he probably will get his call-up, I assume they want it to be around June or so to get that extra year of control, and at the same time he will be assigned his 40 spot.

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     2. Cole Irvin definitely deserves a shot in the majors, but if the Phillies are contending this year, we can’t afford to wait for the inevitable growing pains that comes with rookie starters.

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253. How is this for a twist of fate:
     Harper debuted at 19 and was a free agent by 26.
     The Nats currently have the only player in the major leagues who could be free-agent eligible by 26:
     Outfielder Juan Soto, who figures to stay with that club for awhile and never see the minor leagues …will be eligible for it also at 26.

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     1. Acuna also, no?

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        1. No…..one year later 27. Acuna is older than Soto.

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        2. But just saw this…both in the same year.
           Harper and Machado will probably be the last of the mid-20 free agents.
           Cashman is already talking about doing a Trout deal with Judge..and Judge was a college guy coming up at a similar age as Hoskins did in 2017
           Carlos Correa would be in the Acuna class…he will be 27 as a free agent.
           Doubt he is let go.

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254. Hinke…That’s right,I could not have stated it better.Of course I have been frustrated that it has taken so long for Harper/Boras to decide where to sign.
     But the alternative…If no one gives any updates on here,just think of all of the comments that have been posted the last few months!

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     1. Barf … Thanks. The waiting has, at times, been excruciating. However, following the ups and downs with the posters here on Phuture Phillies has made it a lot more entertaining. Thanks to all who have joined in the discussions (whether I have agreed or disagreed with your POV).

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255. Bruce Bochy retiring at the end of the season

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256. Jon Heyman just tweeted that this can go on a few or several more days….holy crap

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257. What could they get in a trade of Williams and say a pen arm and what pen arm do you think they will move?

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     1. I think a High A pitching prospect. I’d move Hunter or Neshek or Nicasio. The reason being is that they’d bring some salary relief and the pen is already stacked.

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     2. “What could they get in a trade of Williams “….if it is Harper to Philly, then I’d package Williams, with ViVe and Irvin to the DBacks for Robbie Ray.
        I think Hazen is ready to make some moves in his rebuild.

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        1. Ray seems like a good get although if they were to sign Keuchel that would negate that move.

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        2. IMO that is a huge overpay for Robbie Ray. I really would like to know why some people think he is such an upgrade over our current bottom 3. I would trade Vinny for him straight up because we could use a lefty.

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           1. I just do not see Hazen letting him go for Vinny alone….LHP starters are rare and he has a chance to be a special one.
              Klentak and Kapler are looking for that LHP in their rotation, so they would be the buyers so Hazen could set the price..
              Now they can always try to sign Keuchel….but IMO Ray is different than Keuchel in their repertoire and pitching approach. Keuchel a GB specoilist and Ray more or less challenges the hitters with his stuff….but can be wild, but is younger than Keuchel and under control for another two years..

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258. Hide your eyes and/or cover your ears if you’re exhausted with my Mike Trout posts.
     Mike nearly slipped, and called himself a Phillies fan in Arizona.

     “I’m a Phi… Eagles fan”pic.twitter.com/vASwMzX0VG

     — Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) February 18, 2019

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     1. Hinkie…of interest Moreno has spoken on Trout’s extension..more or less.

        https://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/angels-owner-says-team-has-not-discussed-mike-trout-extension-554313.html

        Jim Salisbury did say once the Machado/Harper contracts are set in stone…he sees the Angels making the offer with the bar set notches higher than the BH/MM AAVs.

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259. Jim Salisbury just posted this picture of a plane leaving from/coming to Clearwater. He only posted the pic. No explanation. I’m not sure if he is trying to insinuate someting.

     pic.twitter.com/rNljQBcFbN

     — Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) February 18, 2019

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     1. Hah…Hinkie I guess you did not hear him 15 minutes ago on NBCSports Philly with Amy Fadool and Marc F. …he said everyone now are tracking flights from Vegas to St Pete it has got so ridiculous….oh he sai…I hear a plane coming in now! 🙂

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260. I apologize to those who are weary of discussing MachadoHarper. This is the forum where we we are supposed to discuss this stuff, and I come here as often as I do because I enjoy the viewpoints of everyone on here. I like that Hinkie talks me down from thinking we won’t get either, because we need one. We have been talking about the team acquiring one of these guys as a balm for the aggravation of watching our team stink for 7 years. This was why they weren’t spending $. They were gearing up for the 2018 off season. So, of course, we are fixated on actually getting one of them. If the time to contend is now, one of them is necessary. I don’t think we are good enough otherwise, despite the terrific off season Klentak has had.

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     1. Matt … the guys on MLB TV agree with you. The Phillies need Harper to compete.

        Do you think the addition of Bryce Harper would give the #Phillies the best lineup in the NL East? #MLBNow pic.twitter.com/cr9K2wobHv

        — MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 18, 2019

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261. Things are getting heated between the MLBPA, Tony Clark and Commissioner Manfred….not a good sign when sides are pointing fingers at each other…three years before the next CBA is scheduled to be enacted.
     Next to be heard on the issue, I am willing to bet will be Scott Boras on all the current free agency system’s faults

     https://sports.yahoo.com/tony-clark-fires-back-rob-201204654.html

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     1. I think the next work stoppage will result in a shortened season at best, but possibly no season.

        The FA stuff is toobig an issue. Then you also got teams exploiting service times rules by keeping young players down. There is no legit baseball ability reason why Vlad Guerrero Jr should not be in MLB already. Its all about service time

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        1. Problem will come to a head soon I think.

           Players, however , need to be careful…..public may not be on their side.

           Plus they may lose an important part of their contract terms….the opt-out clauses….owners in any negotiation may look to take that benefit away from them.
           As it stands now…the opt-out favors the player completely….so to have that along with the multi=year long term contract is counter productive from managements viewpoint.

           The players are getting the money….just not the guaranteed long term years.
           Phillies have been one of the most ‘generous’ lately.

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262. Despite the lack of progress, Tom Verducci still sees the Phillies as the front runners to land Bryce Harper pic.twitter.com/TUtuRsWMlS

     — Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) February 18, 2019

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263. Shadow says this could go on for two more weeks

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     1. TrollU…I am getting the impression you really like this! 🙂

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        1. Just providing people with updates that CD normally provides lol
           Jim Bowden thinks end of week

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264. Where has CD been?

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265. Oh, I am around! Still saying if/when it happens, it will be north of $325, Boras simply will not settle for less and in fact I believe he promised Harper this. Saw the Bowden interview, also still believe he gets his notes from Boras, thats why he mentioned the “possibility” of Lerner and the Nats jumping in at the last moment.

     Boras has to have at least one threat, even if its only semi real.

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266. I don’t think people mind the Harper Machado talk on here but the Trout talk is getting old and frankly it’s pointless. He’s not a free agent, we aren’t trading for him (esp since moving Sixto who would have been the headliner in any deal for him) and he isn’t the “end game”.

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     1. All I can tell you is what I hear. When I first posted the information given to me, I explained (in a generic way) where I got it. At that time, I said, “You can buy it, or you can sell it.” I have no reason to believe this person was making this stuff (Trout is the Phillies end game) up. You, obviously, choose to sell. That’s fine, I respect your opinion. No hard feelings. Hopefully, you and some others respect my opinion, and my right to post any info I find that I feel supports my view.
        Since I first reported the Phillies actively planning for Trout, others in the media have also linked the two. Even today, Trout was asked about the Phillies on his first day of spring training.

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        1. For the record, I don’t mind it. I don’t have a twitter account, so I appreciate the posts. Your icon is pretty easy to identify, you can just skip the post if you want to cool the trout/BH/MM. in fairness, the trout talk is what the Bh & MM talks was 2 years ago … the noise was pretty loud back then. For trout, you can bet that Angels fans are pretty nervous about the Phillies.

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267. Jim Bowden reports the Phillies are probably now close, and the Phillies will beat the money given to Stanton (325 million) by Miami.

     .@JimBowdenGM thinks the free agency saga of @Bharper3407 is coming to an end, and we should have resolution soon.

     "I think the good news for baseball, is we're getting close to the end here and I think we'll know for sure by Friday." #Phillies #Nationals pic.twitter.com/3w08YCB6o2

     — MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 19, 2019

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     1. BTW … mad props to Mr. Dreamer, who has been saying Boras would hold out for the record breaking 326 million dollar offer.

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        1. If that’s what it takes, big picture – that’s only 1.6m more each year over the earlier reported 10/$310 over the weekend. When you get to that stratosphere, what another million and a half?

           …oh, and Jim – are you planning on posting a fresh thread for this dead horse of a topic we love to beat? Sorry to take the weekly open discussion for granted but….

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268. Well, I for one am tired of the Machado/Harper and now the Trout talk. This will be the last Open Discussion posted until one of Machado/Harper sign with the Phillies or until neither signs with the Phillies. I’ll then allow a day or two for everyone to say I told you so and “take a lap” while celebrating that one of their many predictions came true.

     If FA/trade comments bleed into other discussions, the comments will be deleted and the offenders will be blocked.

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     1. Haha. You started this with your 1am comment couple weeks back. New face of the franchise.

        Whatever. I don’t care. I come here for the single A guys etc.

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     2. agreed.

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     3. Take away the most popular part of the site? I just come to the site to read the comments in open discussions to see some different opinions.

        Great idea! (Sarcastic)

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     4. I understand being tired and frustrated with this process, but isn’t this what an “Open Discussion” thread is for? It’s like the UN. Keep all the craziness centrally located so you can keep track of it.

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269. Here is something new to talk about.

     Really interesting article…”There’s (Almost) No Such Thing As a Top Pitching Prospect”

     https://www.theringer.com/platform/amp/mlb/2019/2/15/18225741/pitching-prospect-list-fangraphs-baseball-america-prospectus

     It makes an argument (supported by data) that is counter to long held beliefs.

     One could read it and conclude that we sold high on Sixto. That the probability of him becoming an elite ace over a long career is not as high as we all have believed.

     Here is the money quote,
     “According to data provided by Baseball-Reference, hitters ranked in the top 10 by Baseball America from 1990-2010 have produced 18.0 WAR for the teams they were with as prospects and 27.4 career WAR, on average, while pitchers ranked in the top 10 over that period averaged only 8.9 WAR and 14.6 WAR, respectively.”

     Very interesting. Read it and let me know what you think.

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     1. I concluded that we sold high on Sixto before I read the article, which btw is very well written. Analytics has changed how the game is not only managed, but indeed how positions are valued and therefore, young pitching talent. The days of falling in love with certain prospects are short. I felt worse about trading Alfaro than Sixto. And I loved the JTR deal.

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        1. 8mark……the article reflect the many changing aspects on how pitchers are being viewed. The high velo guys out of HS/college have a one in three chance of going under the TJ knife with delayed progression to their careers….coupled with the fact that hi-velo, unless in the upper 90s and sustained, does not have the impact as it did 10 years or so ago.
           Why…..every reliever coming in now gets it up there, and hitters the more they see the more they can adjust and the more they can hit.
           Thor and deGrom right now may be the exception.

           Now this gets me to my point….of the three young starters….Pivetta, ViVe and Eflin…I see Eflin the one who will be the highest WAR guy after all is said and done….and he is the one that most GMs will come calling after. He has learned to pitch…thru the minors on up to his first year in the majors relying on his 2Smr and breaking pitches, mostly slider….and now his 4Smr has developed into another weapon in his arsenal. His velo was not in the Pivetta /VV category, but he is able to compensate and pitch to his other strengths.
           Will have to see how it all transpires starting in a few weeks I guess.

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     2. I’ve always felt hitters have much more value than pitchers as prospects. They impact the lineup on an everyday basis and are less susceptible to injury. In honesty, it’s why you take Mickey Moniak (or, sure, Nick Senzel) instead of A.J. Puk at the top of the draft a few years ago. The odds are better that the position player is going to develop and contribute to the big club.

        The Phillies were smart to load up on pitching prospects during the rebuild in order to up their chances of hitting on a few. It’s easy to forget that the Phils got 3/5 of its starting rotation for an aging Jimmy Rollins, a cooked clubhouse cancer in Jonathan Papelbon and the ultimate sell-high reliever, Ken Giles. Some certainly didn’t pan out (hope all is well, Mark Appel), but the more arms in the stable, the more likelihood that someone hits.

        Here’s hoping the next wave (Medina, Howard, Romero, etc.) has some success …

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        1. It certainly speaks to the org’s approach of drafting only hitters in the first round under Almarez. However, it is worth noting that all of those top 10 picks combined are unlikely to come close to the career WAR of Nola.

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           1. Phillies pitching looks awesome from Lehigh to Lakewood. I’m excited about this year of the prospects. Suarez, De Los Santos, and Irvin are just a step away, and I’m anxious to see Listi, Bohm, and Haseley take a big step forward.

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270. In the vein of talking about something else, like who is in camp. There is always a series of puff pieces on prospects that never get in depth. Here’s one on Grullon. What are people’s opinions on him. I love defense first catchers and that was supposed to be his calling card but I have been worried about what has now been 5 consecutive years of 10+ errors and passed balls. I know scoring the box score is bad but is like to hear the opinions of those who have seen a lot of him in action.
     https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/inquisitive-phillies-catching-prospect-deivi-grullon-shines-early-camp-eas

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     1. I saw him (Grullon) in person at Reading last year and was not impressed. Does not appear to be especially agile behind the plate and doesn’t seem capable of hitting a decent breaking pitch. It’s just one game so who knows, but he certainly didn’t seem to be anything special to me. He looks like a guy whose skills don’t translate very well to the big league level.

        Everyone is still writing Andrew Knapp off and I can understand why, but I think at some point he’s going to hit the way I think he can and end up being a big bargain for the team. Certainly with JTR as the starter, the pressure is off.

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     2. I sure hope he is not 235 lbs at 5’10”!
        If so he needs to shed about 20/25 lbs..because does not get better as you age.
        That figure must be inaccurate……I read somewhere that he came in trimmer than in the past…same as Franco and Herrera.

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271. Nola was thought to have a ceiling of a #3, and look what he has done. I know we have a lot of SP throughout the system. Who ups their game the most? Can it be Howard? And, is there any hope that there is still something there with Kevin Gowdy?

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     1. Howard could be the one guy who ends up blowing past all projections and becomes a 1 or a 2. He has a very big upside and he just seems to get better and better.

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     2. He was a different pitcher once Ray Burris suggested he use his legs more. He has been a different pitcher ever since. For Nola to get 10+ WAR without an elite fastball is unusual.

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        1. Nola is an outlier, but due to movement and location, and his ability to throw harder when necessary, his FB is a plus pitch and his curve is elite. He’s the closest thing to Greg Maddux that we’ve seen since Maddux retired.

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272. Both MiLB and Baseball Reference list Grullon as 6 foot 1 and 180 pounds.

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     1. This is from seven years ago from MLB.com international on Grullon:

        Deivi Grullon:
        Rank: 17 Ht: 6’1″, Wt: 180 DOB: 02/17/1996 Bats: R, Throws: R…Signed: July 2, 2012 –
        PHIA defensive-minded catcher with some power, Grullon is trained by catching guru Luis Coronado, and some believe he could be the next Wilin Rosario (Rockies prospect). Grullon has a solid body, is built like a catcher and has plus arm strength. He has solid blocking skills but needs to improve on his defensive techniques and sometimes makes plays more difficult than they should be because he relies too heavily on his natural abilities.
        The best catching prospect to ever come play in the Dominican Prospect League, Grullon has also built a reputation for his gap-to-gap hitting prowess in games and awe-inspiring batting practice sessions.

        A member of the Dominican Republic team in the MLB prospect showcase , Grullon was also part of Dominican Prospect League’s All-Star travel squad that played during Spring Training in Arizona and Florida.

        …he has lost some height over the years and expanded his girth somewhat.

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        1. Well, sometimes those height stats when players are signed get “interesting.” IIRC Jimmy Rollins was listed at 6′ 1″. He must have been wearing his platform shoes that day.

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           1. Yeah…also like college football at the colleges….players get to the NFL combined and they have shrunk from their college listed height.

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        2. Grullon is a guy who we seemed to be most excited about when he was youngest — a prospective someday all-star. Now that he is closer, and bigger, all of that promise seems to have lost some luster.

           Maybe it’s the natural tendency to want to dream about the new guys — O’Hoppe, Duran, Marchan. Heck, even Austin Bossart. Or maybe it’s that the closer Grullon has gotten, the more pedestrian he seems.

           I’ve seen him play and agree with Catch that he didn’t strike me as special, but I am no scout and haven’t seen a lot of him. A strong arm, desire to learn, power at the plate. He might still be the guy.

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273. By the way, its interesting how the word has leaked out how injured Cesar Hernandez was the last half of the season with his broken foot. He gutted it out but it clearly impeded his play. I’m looking for a full bounce back season from Cesar.

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     1. Yeah, .290/.370/.400 seems to be an entirely realistic projection for Cesar this year. While if we get .265/.305/.415 from Kingery we will take that progress and is far ahead of most projections systems I have seen. This is why I am baffled by people that want to trade Cesar and make the playoffs this year.

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274. As someone who is not Cesar’s biggest fan, I came away from that story believing we will see a Cesar who aggressively runs the bases, and I am looking forward to it. My biggest complaint with him has been, not stealing bases, but the ability to go from 1st to 3rd and 2b to Home on a hit with less than 2 outs. If the foot caused that, and it would sure impact his running as well as his hitting, then I am counting on a much improved Cesar for this year.

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     1. my biggest issue with Caesar is that he plays the game in too much of a passive, trying-not-to- make mistakes manner
        I don’t think you can win playing afraid to make mistakes
        kind of a poor mans bobby Abreu
        too passive at the plate , on the bases
        decent stats at end of the yr but not really impressed watching him everyday

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        1. And here we go again . . . yeah, Cesar’s not a star, but he’s a very good player. And, unlike Abreu, there’s no evidence he has some type of an attitude or effort issue. To the contrary, he gutted it out last year when by all accounts he was in a lot of pain. Beating up on a Cesar is, to me, like beating up on a #3 starter because he’s not an ace. Just because he hasn’t played like a star doesn’t mean he isn’t a good player.

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           1. wow
              that’s a way overreaction to my comment
              I thought this was a discussion board
              I have a different opinion of Caesar than you do
              I never said he wasn’t a good player
              is that anywhere in my post?
              I just have issues with his style of play, his inability to run the bases aggressively, his base running mistakes for a player with his speed and being a little too passive at the plate
              also never said he has an attitude program, that’s not in my post either, just said he plays passively
              you like Caesar, fine but remember , others have a different opinion of him

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              1. To be fair, your entire post is negative and when you say at the end “but not really impressed watching him everyday” it certainly suggests you think he’s not a very good player. But if you do think he is a good player, then, by all means, join the club.

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                 1. And, by the way, I’m not saying Cesar is perfect, he’s not. If he did the things you mention better, he probably would be one.

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                 2. I meant to say if he did those things better he would probably be a star, not perfect. Nobody’s perfect.

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     2. I mentioned this before but I don’t know that he has an issue running the bases. He seems to be fine in that category . . . it’s more so his jumps/stealing actual bases. He has the speed to swipe 30 bags a year. Need another Lopes.

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        1. No argument on needing a guy like Lopes – getting rid of him was one of the more stupid things Amaro did.

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           1. agreed
              I think their baserunning coaching has not been particularly good

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        2. It will be interesting to see how things go on the stolen base front. The Phillies have joined an analytic world where some, like Billy Beane, don’t think the risk/reward of stolen bases is worth it. That being said Hernandez did steal 19bbases last year despite being injured the second half. That and the risk/reward valuation may change when you can achieve the succes rate that the Phillies did under Lopes. With Chase retiring I think he would be an excellent base running coach.

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275. Jim…can you open up a new “Open Discussion” thread for this week?

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     1. Jim already responded to that suggestion last night by saying that not until after Machado/Harper are signed/not signed will there be a new open discussion thread.

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        1. looks like we get a new thread

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276. With all this Caesar talk, where is Rocco when you need him?

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277. Wowww Manny to Padres
     Phillies not getting both
     Let’s hope they don’t lose on Harper

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278. Everyone who laughed at SD getting involved … …. Harper could drop today then.

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     1. So much for favorite childhood heroes, best workout buddies and brothers in law. It’s all about the Bennies. Congrats to Manny.

        Next….??

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        1. On to Nolan Arenado.

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     2. Sorry – overly confident instead of the other C word

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279. 10 years and $300 Million. Much higher than the reported WSox offer, and now sets the stage for Harper’s 9 year $330 Miilion from us. Boras wins, beats Lazano, beats the Stanton deal, and we can then get on with our lives.

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     1. 10/$310M

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     2. Does this mean the Padres will be less interested in Maikel Franco?

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        1. Franco is going nowhere for the time being.

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        2. Why would the Phillies trade Franco with both Machado and Moustakas on the market???

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     3. matt13…I up it a year from 9 to 10/$333M…but 9 looks better.

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280. Machado at 10/$300 million. IMO Harper will get north of $325 million, whoever signs him.

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     1. ….even if it winds up being 9/$360m😀

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     2. 10/$310 is the word. We’ll see…..
        Today???

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     3. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Giants or someone jump back in

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281. I wonder when the FO soured on Machado and directed their efforts to Harper. Was it the “Johnny Hustle” comments? Or, the meeting in LV? Machado had always seemed to be the first choice, especially with the ties to the FO. We see what he got. Definitely a number that we would have surpassed had we really wanted him. Or, was Middleton’s preference, all along, Harper? I am not jumping the gun. We still need to sign Harper, but it seems that the luster of Machado wore off quite some time ago.

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     1. Matt, I don’t think the FO soured on Manny.
        I think Middleton simply wanted Harper much more than MacKlentak wanted Machado. No more complicated than that.

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        1. agreed
           MM helps the team win on the field
           harper raises the entire
           value of the franchise in a way only a few players would

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282. I think we get harper now within a day or 2 however, if we lose harper, this front office is in for a really rough time from the fan base who will never less them forget it if the team misses the playoffs again.
     I think MK gets it done but now the pressure is on
     no MM fallback

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     1. I think the Phillies have lost some leverage, not on whether they sign Harper, but on how much they will have to pay him. Boras has them by the short hairs in that regard. Unless they decide against it and instead incur the wrath of an already impatient, salty and agitated fanbase/media crunch. I think they opt for the former.

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        1. as commissioner gordan said of bane in the dark knight rises , boras has “their balls in a vice”

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283. All told, this was a pretty good deal for the Padres. If you think a WAR is worth $6 million (and I think it’s worth more than that these days), the Padres are betting on Machado averaging out to being a 5 WAR player for the next 10 years – that’s a pretty good gamble, although most likely the value produced will be front loaded in the first 6 or 7 years. Still, the Padres did well here.

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     1. I want to temper my statement a little bit. Machado’s away splits have been pretty mediocre. Objectively, this seems like a good deal, but if Machado gets it into his head that he can’t hit well in San Diego (and he might not), this experiment may end with a trade within the next 2 to 3 years.

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284. Let’s be realistic here guys. I think it’s very likely the Phillies have an offer on the table to Harper in the $325M range. I also think it’s very likely that the White Sox now turn to Harper and put an offer in the neighborhood of $350M on the table. I could easily see this now accelerating the urgency with Harper, and from more than just the Phillies, and the bidding to head north of $350M and maybe up to $400M. Boras has played this perfectly and this is his dream scenario – the Phillies and White Sox and maybe even another team or two have money to spend and only his guy is left on the dance floor. The question may quickly become this for the Phillies – is it worth paying Harper $40M+ the next 3-4 years, or does it make more sense to add Keuchel, Kimbrel, and maybe a trade for another player for this year, plus retaining flexibility at the trade deadline to add a high priced piece?

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     1. I’m more than ok with Machado going to SD. He got all the money without the expectations. He is a poser.

        I’m probably ok with Harper going to WSox, 2nd best team in their own city. He is a little more competitive than MM.

        All our outfielders and 3b men make less than one of these FAs. I think we will be fine and will bond stronger!

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285. White Sox said they could not goto $300mil for MM. we can take them out of the Harper race.
     I think:
     Phillies
     Giants
     Nationals – Olney doesn’t get the sense they jump back in
     Maybe Cubs. I know
     Owner said they had no money but i think it’s a smoke screen.

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286. I think it was either Hinkie or Kuko who advocated for a front-loaded deal for Harper with opt outs and a disproportionate amount of money in the first 5 or 6 years of the deal. This, I think, would be a good resolution for everyone and would probably price the Nationals out of the deal.

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287. We’re assuming that the Phillies could not beat the Padres offer? The question now is why since we have “stupid” money.

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     1. I dont think it was that we couldn’t beat the Padres offer. It was that Middleton prefered Harper as a marketable face of the franchise.

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        1. If that’s the case, then they better not let Harper get away.

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           1. This is possibly very bad negotiating here but hopefully it works out. The Phils, should have told Machado to hold on a second, and go back to Harper and say here is our number, it’s a big number, but Manny is ready to sign, so are we good or do we need to go in this other direction? And if Harper doesn’t sign, go sign Machado for $310M. The Phils have the dollars to have beaten SD and beat anyone for Harper, but now they are in a position of weakness where they were in a position of strength. It’s all about the BATNA.

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              1. Would you take 3% more to live in Philadelphia compared to San Diego? Both teams are pretty well positioned to compete in the next few years.

                 He never wanted to play in Philly…we would’ve had to outbid significantly to change that. $1MM per year was not going to change anything

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288. I think Middleton wants Harper, and Boras was waiting for Machado to sign, I believe Boras already knows where Middleton will go, and it may very well take the original 9/$360 Million. No one is touching that #. WSox have no pressure on them from their fan base, they are 3 years away. Could the Cubs be playing possum? Sure, but I doubt it. CD, I need to hear what you have heard since Machado signed.

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     1. I think, based on the Machado contract (which obviously impacts the market), 9/$360 M or, better stated $40 M AAV, is the absolute highest this would likely go. That’s a 25% premium over the Machado contract, which is enormous when, in fact, Harper hasn’t been better than Machado and doesn’t project to be better than him either. I agree that Harper has more value for various reasons, but not THAT much more. We will see.

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        1. But the way the market has developed, especially over the last 25 years, is astounding. I still remember when people were blown away by Wayne Garland’s 10 year $2.3 million contract (yes, that’s $230k a year).

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        2. 33% premium

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           1. Duh, you’re right.

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              1. Even more to my point, however.

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     2. matt – I agree. Middleton wanted Harper, and Boras waited for Manny to sign so the bar is now set. Harper will sell more tickets, Jerseys. Tee shirts, but maybe most importantly, he’s a left handed bat.

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289. Quite possible MM preferred SD. I know it is nice to make $ and no offense to Philadelphia, but $30 million a year to live in San Diego is very hard to beat.

     I think the Phillies are forced to give Harper what he wants. WaPo had an article in November about Harper wanting $400 million. I predict he comes close to that.

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290. No Manny and Harper does not want to play in Philly. Looking forward to that 4th place finish this year.

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291. Glad Manny has made a decision so now the rest of the dominos can fall. Phillies were never signing both and this allows Boras/Harper to beat the Manny contract with stupid money from the Phillies.

     Expect the Harper shoe will fall quickly..

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292. Wait, I thought that Manny really, really wanted to play for the Yankees? Or he really, really wanted to be on the East Coast?

     He took the most money, just like they all do.

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     1. This is not even a question from the beginning other for those to those who are playing reverse psychology to temper their disappointment.

        Once a player tests free agency, it’s all about the financial security. Cliff Lee is one the few exceptions but the $$ difference Phils vs Yankees is not that much either.

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293. Klentak comments are kinda worrisome. Hinke see you around Aug. This sucks.

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     1. No they’re not anymore worrisome then earlier reports today that Harper is “unsure” about the Phillies. It’s all gamesmanship between Boras and Klentak. If Middleton outweighed MacKlentak on his desire for Harper, he’s not going to sit by and watch Klentak tell Boras, “nah, we’re good with what we have. See ya around….” The owner has much much more at stake here than stupid money, which he put where his mouth is. His reputation is very much on the line. This fanbase won’t by any future bold statements he makes, let alone tickets to watch a decent team that will struggle to survive the NL east.

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     2. Worru that if don’t sign Harper we will spend money stupid instead of spending stupid money. We will spend on players like we have in clubhouse; Marwin Gonzalez, Adam Jones, Craig Kimbrel, Dallas Kuechel or Gio Gonzalez.

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294. This says to me Middleton doesn’t like Manny the person. Manny IMO is worth $30MM all day long Harper probably $35 range.

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     1. DMAR…agree.
        If the Phillies wanted Manny over Harper they would have had him.
        The owner does not see the ‘player’ in Machado that will be the face of a franchise, especially the ability and desire to carry a team into a WS .
        Padres will still struggle vs the Dodgers, perhaps also the Rockies.

        Manny will regret hitting in Petco
        He will not regret his trips to the bank.

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        1. The Padres have made enough modifications to Petco that it’s almost a near average ballpark now. It’s no longer the cavernous place where fly balls go to die.

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           1. The splits (home/away) for guys like Myers, Reyes and Hedges does not prove that out.
              Hunter Renfroe is the other power RHB that has slightly better home splits.

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295. It will be interesting how Middleton will deal with McPhail and Klentak if they missed on Harper. McPhail and Klentak are tied to the hip and possibly the reason why the Phillies haven’t signed Bryce Harper yet. McKlentak did their player valuation and determined that Harper is only worth this X amount of $$ — I still think Middleton will have his way and sign Harper for at least $35M AAV and security of a long term contract despite an objection from McKlentak that Harper doesn’t worth that much.

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296. McPhail and Klentak will not have “missed” on Harper, KuKo. This is squarely on John Middleton’s shoulders. He needs to make the deal, whether it is $326 Million or $360 Million. Klentak has had a terrific off season, and I one of those who wasn’t sure he was up to it. But, it will go down as a disappointment if Harper does not sign. That was set up by Ownership, specifically, “stupid money.” and by Ownership by targeting this off season to be a big market team again. This is exactly where Boras likes it, between him and the team’s Owner. Middleton has to make his word mean something.

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     1. If they cannot get him….as long as Harper does not go 135 miles south down 95 I will be less disappointed.

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     2. This off season has been very good, IF you add Harper. The problem with this off season if they don’t add Harper, is that you could have made these types of moves, i.e., Segura, Robertson, Realmuto, and McCutchen 2-3 years ago with similar players rather than rebuilding and waiting/hoping for Harper and/or Machado.

        Without Harper, and if you want to put a negative spin on it, you have the best catcher in baseball and a very nice shortstop, but after that you have a yet to be proven 1B, two unknowns competing at 3B, an aging LF, an unproven RF, two guys competing in CF with one always injured and the other very inconsistent to say the least, and a 2B who is good but not great and coming off an injury. Then you have a pitching staff with one true ace, one aging arm, and 3-4 unproven entities. The bullpen has questions and great potential, but the farm system lacks a big name, impact prospect in the upper tiers. Certainly there are guys with potential to break through this year, but the lack of high end talent is a concern.

        What exactly has this organization accomplished with 8 years of rebuilding?

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     3. Agree owners sometimes paint their FO or GMs into a corner. As was often the case with RAJ.

        Klentak will enjoy the fact that his owner made himself front and center with the stupid money retort. He’ll put on a good face if it goes awry. He’ll say the company man cliches he’s supposed to say

        but then we’ll all pick apart his carcass like vultures right

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        1. DMAR…..seems Rick Hahn has displayed his disappointment. But vows they will be right there again spending large for the next premier FA

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     4. @matt13 – i will disagree on you with this, McPhail and Klentak are the notorious methodical and frugal force in the FO. Middleton’s wallet is the one taking the hit if he disappoints after that stupid money announcement.

        Middleton values players based on the impact on the revenue stream while McPhail and Klentak values players based on hypothetical calculation of advance metrics. If somebody will ask me how do i know this — it is just common sense and I don’t need an insider to connect the dots.

        nonetheless, i believe that Middleton is willing to open his wallet looking at the potential revenue stream (ticket, sales, tv ratings, concessions, etc) of signing a mega-player while McPhail and Klentak are doing their job of justifying the use of resource (i,e, $$) based on information they have.

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     5. matt – Once again, I agree. The ball is in Middleton’s court now. We’ve suffered through years of ineptitude while waiting for this FA class. Klentak has done a great job this winter, and now it’s Middleton’s turn at the plate.

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        1. Wawa….you get what you wished for…..new and slimmer Franco is back at third.

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           1. Me too. I think he has a really good year. 280./.340/.500 with somewhere between 25-30 HR outta the 6 or 7 hole.

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              1. Just give me his June and July from last year …for at least 5 months this year…then I will be happy with him.

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           2. Romus – “Be careful what you wish for”. It should be interesting. Franco’s in “the best shape of his life”, and he’s surrounded by other good hitters. The pressure to carry the team is gone. As long as he makes the routine plays at third, I’ll be in his corner for the upcoming year.

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           3. does this mean we’re not going to see Matt Strahm’s name mentioned every other day for the first time in months?

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297. boras is the devil incarnate but he seems to always be in the right place for these contracts. a good bet that 9 yr 360 million will reappear

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     1. sr….when it comes to money…..Harper will gross abd pull in more in revenue sales and other amnesties fro the Phillies, ie team overall value…then Manny probably would have ever done..
        So Middleton should not have to worry about that aspect .

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     2. sr…the opt out is after year 5 of the Padre contract….so that means he will go to the Yankees then.

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        1. Agreed. I wasn’t criticizing the move. He will generate the money. Just commenting on boras.

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298. Romus, I do not mean to imply that I care one bit what it costs to get Harper. I believe he will be worth it. I think he hits great at CBP, I think his D improves a lot, and I think his left handed bat fits perfectly. I see the stands filling again, so if it costs $360 Million, so be it. How about all the saved $ from going on the cheap for 7 years? The team can spend over the luxury tax and still turn a substantial profit, so go get him Johnny M!

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     1. matt13…..understand.
        His reluctance to play in Philly is the only drawback I can see the Phillies have going against them, in trying to sign him.

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     2. Agreed
        Playtime is over. Time to get this done

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299. Hmmm I remember a certain time when many killed a certain guy who wasn’t for a certain move to give a certain guy a 5/$125 extension

     Good times!

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300. Maybe Harper doesn’t want to play in Philly.

     Perhaps Bryce doesn’t want to play against the Nats
     19 times a year and 9-10 times a year in DC.

     Maybe BH wants to play close to home on the W Coast.

     Perhaps he wants to play for a team that spring trains
     in Arizona.

     Where are TrollU, Cal Dream, and Hinkie?

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     1. Maybe Harper and Boras don’t want a record setting contract?

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        1. ….and perhaps they’ve waited all this time, after Machado scored his $300 million, only to decide, eh….Arizona?

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           1. I think he meant Arizona…the Cactus League spring training facility at Scottsdale….Giants training site.

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     2. I think most people here or at least the ones without Phillies shaded glasses on will concede those points.

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     3. ciada – I’ll be disappointed if the Phillies don’t sign Harper, but I’ll be enraged if he returns to the Nats.

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301. ESPNs Eddie Matz:
     ” Machado. Forget about the $300 mil — he gets to live in San Diego! Close runner-up: Bryce Harper. If Machado’s getting $300 million from the Friars, imagine the check that John “Stupid Money” Middleton is going to cut to seal the deal for Harper.”

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302. I believe the Phillies have to decide whether to overpay Harper for the “inconvenience” of playing in Philadelphia over say, SF or WAS. That may indeed be closer to the original offer from Middleton. I’ll now say at least 10/$350m, and I still think Johnny Cigars lays it down.

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303. The overractions on here are ridiculous.

     Talks between the Phils and Harper advanced over the weekend to the point that most believe a deal will be reached.

     Machado’s team saw themselves out of the running and took the offer from San Diego.

     Both sides now posturing in the media in case an 11th hour team comes out of nowhere.

     Listen: Both the Phils and Boras know that Middleton is going to go long term at $300M+. Machado signing elsewhere doesn’t move that needle at all, because there is no other team that is going to give them that kind of money. A deal will happen. Soon.

     It’s not about playing in Philly. It’s not about who has who backed into a corner. At this point, it’s not even about who blinks first.

     They’ll work out a few details and sign something that beats Stanton’s and Machado’s deals. He’ll be in training camp next week.

     Relax.

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     1. Mike, I agree. Its the same way I saw it all day while hearing the radio callers going nuts. Phils have held things close to the vest this entire process so should we expect anything but calculated responses to questions that could only hurt their negotiating ? It will all be over soon. Hopefully tomorrow.

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304. Mike Honcho playing the role of Hinkie this evening! I appreciate it, and I agree with you Mike, however, it doesn’t stop me from worrying. Until it actually gets done, I will stress over it, I just can’t help myself. I don’t think Boras waited this long to take anything less than beating Stanton and “winning” vs. Lozano, and the team, all along, that will do that is our team.

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     1. matt13…understand Nick Williams set up a Pedro Cerrano Joboo Shrine at his locker…..chanting…”No Harper, No Harper”

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        1. We could use him Romus, as well as Willie Mays Hayes! Who was the last Phillie to steal Home?

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           1. matt13…didn’t Carlos Santana steal home last year?

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305. Klentak’s comments to me:
     Manny wasn’t worth $300mil
     We will spend on the right player
     The player who will bring in revenue, wins, etc
     That player is Harper
     My two cents
     Still think there’s a chance Phillies lose out. It wouldn’t be Klentaks fault or even Middleton (even though stupid money) but I’d blame Macphail. Mcphail wanted Manny. McP isn’t going to get his way and perhaps he doesn’t play nice bc the owner stepped in to the negotiating

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306. Where are TrollU,CalDream & Hinke?? I can’t blame them for going silent,with all of the complaints about ALL of their comments the past few months!!
     After all..they do not get paid for all of their time spent researching and commenting on this site.
     For me..Thank-you very much!! It made this site interesting,instead of reading about single A players that are years away,or if Franco is taking 10 more ground balls per day in Florida.
     Isn’t this the first time EVER that 2 mid 20 year old star players entered free agency in the same year??

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     1. If you don’t like reading about minors players, you may want to go to a different website.

        Don’t take this as me saying you aren’t welcome here, it’s just… that’s what this site is about.

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307. MLB.com Phillies top 30:
     http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2019?list=phi

     …Bohm at one

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     1. Romus – Bohm is a stud. The Phillies didn’t miss on this #1 pick.

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     2. I agree with this completely. Bohm is going to have a monster year that ends in LH.

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     3. If we compare the MLB list to the one we just voted on, guys that we ranked vs guys they didn’t.

        Here are the ones on our list not on the MLB list,

        PP- Listi (14), Cozens (18), O’Hoppe (22), Hall (23), Grullon (24), Leftwich (25), Vierling (27), Pelletier (30)

        here are the ones on MLB but not PP,

        MLB- Maton (18), Brito (20), Dohy (22), Mezquita (26), Castillo (27), E.Garcia (28), Seabold (29), Silva (30)

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308. Howard and De Los Santos ranked over JoJo and a lot of love for Francisco Morales Bohm’s bat is held in high regard. I sure hope we see it this year, and also see that he can handle staying at 3B. I know we rate Medina highly, but I feel we are not giving his ceiling enough respect. Am I wrong?

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309. I will rooting for Franco to put up better numbers than Machado; if no Harper, rooting for Williams to come very close to his numbers. it can happen.
     I am also rooting for Haseley, Bohm, Moniak, and Listi to become first rate quality MLB ballplayers who would not be so greedy as to think that $300m is not enough money.

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310. My one final thought before the Harper situation is mercifully settled. I simply want John Middleton to stick a baseball bat in Scott Boras’ gears. Just make him stop his machinations. He doesn’t have to beat Boras. I really don’t care whether Boras gets to pound his chest. Get the deal done! If it’s $350m (which it may not), make it so. All that matters is whether we beat Washington, Atlanta and New York. Harper serves that end. Book 40 plus HRs, 100 BBs, and 45 K jamming each game at CBP. We’ll tweak the payroll for Trout season when that arrives. What the hell are we waiting for now?

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     1. It takes two to tango and the Phillies are playing this correctly. We could get him or we could not. I’d love to see him in red pinstripes but its not the end all be all if he ultimately decides he wants to be some where else.

        MK should be prepared to pivot is all and be prepared to improve this team in the aggregate with other players who are still out there that would help this club add wins.

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