Phils Sign Bryce Harper, extend spring training invite

[Austinfan]

I think Klentak had a reservation price for each player, had a term limit on Machado (probably to be able to trade him if things went South), and wanted a long-term on Harper (i.e., planning to make him the centerpiece).

Klentak held his ground, was patient, and got the one player at his reservation price (i.e. $330M however it was spread over a contract).

Obviously, they value Harper higher, because they could have signed Machado for $330M or less.

[EastFallowfield]

I got the impression that they preferred Machado on baseball terms, but Harper was close enough that his more marketable name put him ahead, especially when Machado's agent was playing hard to get.

[LoneStarPhan]

Certainly the Phillies needed a strong LH bat for the middle of the lineup. A Machado signing would have made the lineup very right handed. Of course, that would be something they would have worked with had they signed Machado, but with Harper, they do get the added advantage of now having a LH power bat in the order.

[Florida_Sunshine]

No matter how we slice and dice it up, we got the star we needed and he will now be the centerpiece(until he recruits Trout).

It is funny how he makes the lineup so much better looking then we would have thought. Klentak really did a great job in setting the table. And to think, our best hitter last year is basically our worst hitter this year.

[flyers19rw]

Harper has had surgery on his hand but seems to be well over that. Aside from that injury he's been pretty healthy. OTOH, MM already has had surgery on both knees. Anything can happen but the injury situation of the two gives an edge to Bryce health wise.

[EastFallowfield]

Today's Athletic article to read is Stark on Werth on Harper, a lot about booing (of course) but also a bit about how Harper is yet another player who worships Chase Utley.

[schillingfan]

I'm a fan of anyone who worships Chase Utley.

[Mac]

I've wanted to do this forever, but the Harper signing forced me to pull the trigger - snagged some Phillies season tickets and couldn't be more excited to spend a portion of my summer at the ballpark.

Hats off to Middleton and Klentak - Phillies baseball is finally back where it belongs!