- Manny Machado visited the Phillies yesterday for four hours. Meetings, tour of Citizens Bank Park, lunch, then dinner later at an undisclosed restaurant ( Pat's Steaks?).
The four hour meeting was much longer than the 90 minute session with the Yankees on Wednesday. Rumor has it that New York may go eight years for Machado, who has stated that he always wanted to be a Yank, but that the Phillies are prepared to offer Machado a ten-year contract and blow others away money-wise.
So, will Manny go with his heart or with the money?
Manny enjoyed the Baltimore connections of Phillies management, since bot Andy MacPhail and Matt Klentak both worked for the Orioles.
I would still like to have Bryce Harper, who would give the line-up a much-needed power bat, but I'll take Machado because he is a major upgrade on both offense and defense. If Machado signs with Philadelphia will he play third base?
Not getting one of the two big superstars would be disappointing after owner John Middleton spoke of "spending stupid money" this off-season. I like what they have done so far with McCutchen and Segura. Getting a quality catcher like Realmuto, and bullpen help such as Britotn ( Andrew Miller is reportedly close to signing with St. Louis), and maybe a lefty starter ( the Phils and Mets are interested in Texas pitcher Mike Minor) is big, but without a Machado and/or Harper to get them over the hump in NL East, anything less is a huge let-down.
Reports are that Machado, who returned home to Miami to make a decision, will make up his mind around New Year's.
Was the construction worker who approached Machado yesterday an actor hired by the Phillies to recapture Jim Thome being greeted by blue-collar workers at Citizens Bank Park while he was being wooed in free agency?After listening to him on the WIP Morning Show this morning he sounds like a "real fan." But it seemed to coincidental and staged.
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- Phil Martelli brought up an interesting point also on the Morning Show- if Foles again takes the Eagles to the playoffs, would you think about trading Carson Wentz straight-up to the Giants for Saquon Barkley?
I wouldn't as I think it's much tougher to find a quality quarterback than a terrific running back, but it is interesting to ponder. The Eagles would sign the 29-year-old Foles to a long-term deal. Plus how often do the Birds and Giants make trades, let alone a huge one like that?
The Eagles are favored by 2 1/2 points on Sunday. The weather is supported to be cold but clear. I can only imagine the fans going nuts in the 1:00 game, the sound deafening as Nick Foles is introduced. The defense must get after Houston QB Watson, containing him if he leaves the pocket. On offense they must limit turnovers and neutralize J.J. Watt, while Foles carves up the Texan defense, again controlling the ball and spreading his passes around.
I still say Eagles 23 Texans 20
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20-year-old rookie Carter Hart went 2-0 last night against Nashville. He gives the Flyers hope, a young goaltender for the next 10-15 years.
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