The Bryce Harper era has begun. And like Rhys Hoskins and John Middleton, we’re all very excited.

The right fielder had his introductory press conference, his jersey officially went on sale with a ridiculously successful launch, and he had his first workout with the Phillies. Gabe Kapler said he’ll make his Spring Training debut on Saturday.

The addition of Harper should help the Phillies in a big way. In betting terms, they’re now the favorites to win the NL East and be contenders for the National League and even the World Series. And in a home run friendly ballpark like Citizens Bank Park, expect Harper to hit a ton of dingers.

Off the field, Harper has begun to do his job of recruiting other stars. He’s mentioned Mike Trout already. The Angels stud has played it cool, but some think he’ll go to Philly in two years. Harper’s also recruiting Le’Veon Bell for the Eagles.

While you enjoy some bad Harper takes and more on Harper’s journey to Philly, enjoy an emergency edition of the Crossing Broadcast.

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The Roundup:

The other teams were active as well this weekend. First, the Sixers.

After a tight win over the Thunder Thursday night, the Sixers fell short at home against the Golden State Warriors 120-117 on Saturday night. Despite a great game from Mike Scott, he somehow fouled Kevin Durant when he was told not to. Yet, another close loss for the Sixers.

Once again, the team didn’t have the services of Joel Embiid. However, he spoke to the media before the game on Saturday and said his time out was initiated by himself. He could be back later this week. Also expect Zhaire Smith to stay in Delaware for the rest of the G-League season.

Could the team also be looking at Andrew Bogut?

The Flyers got four big points over the weekend with wins over the Devils and Islanders. James van Riemsdyk had three points in the win over New Jersey, while the team scored all four goals in the first 40 minutes of the game in New York. Nolan Patrick left Sunday’s win over the Islanders early after blocking a shot up high.

The team is back in action Wednesday night at home against the Capitals. Here’s what the wild card hunt looks like:

Brandon Graham and Jason Kelce signed extensions with the Eagles over the weekend. Graham’s is for three years, while Kelce added another year to his current contract that will end after the 2021 season. The center also signed his extension at a UPS Store. Truly a man of the people.

As for former quarterback Nick Foles, it sounds like he’ll end up in Jacksonville.

In college hoops:

  • Villanova used defense in the second half to beat Butler before the Sixers game on Saturday.
  • Temple kept their bubble hopes alive with a win over Tulane.
  • St. Joe’s beat La Salle in the final Big 5 regular season meeting of the year.
  • Penn lost to Harvard but defeated Dartmouth.
  • Drexel fell to Northeastern in their regular season finale.

Marco Fabián scored in his Union debut, but they fell to Toronto FC 3-1.

In other sports news, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sold some of his memorabilia for more than $3 million.

Former Detroit Red Wing great Ted Lindsay passed away at the age of 93.

In the news, it snowed today.

“Leaving Neverland” got mixed reviews last night.