USA Today’s Bob Nightengale went on the WIP Afternoon Show a short time ago to talk about Harper Watch 2019, which is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Nightengale has been saying for some time now that Harper will ultimately sign with the Phillies. Surely he can bring us some reassurance after a disappointing day of utter nothingness.

Notes from Bob’s discussion with Jon Marks and Ike Reese:

  • the Phillies are still the frontrunner, but “…when it happens, I don’t know. Last year, J.D. Martinez and the Red Sox had a stalemate all winter. The Red Sox stayed pat and got their guy the first week of spring training. The same thing could happen here.”
  • He is not aware of another legitimate offer out there. The Nationals made their 10 year, $300 million offer at the end of the season and have gone on to sign $200 million worth of free agents since then, so that offer is no longer on the table.
  • RE: Manny Machado and how he complicates the situation: “Obviously Machado doesn’t like what he has either from the White Sox or the Phillies. At the some point the Phillies may say, ‘you know what, we’re gonna give somebody what he wants, or close to it'” to pit the two of them against each other
  • On how long this could drag out: “..it could drag out until March when you think about it. Spring training is so long, position players don’t need that much time to get ready.” 

The most interesting line and the biggest takeaway:

…they’re going to get one of them. We know that. I still think Harper makes more sense, it keeps him away from the Nationals and everybody else. Like I said, I bet whoever he signs with, and I still believe it’s the Phillies, there could be some kind of opt-out clause after year two or year three, things like that.

How does that sound? Is that reassuring?

The Phils are going to get somebody, we may just have to wait five more weeks for it to happen.