- The Phillies lost their leverage in free agency yesterday when Manny Machado, the former Baltimore third baseman, signed a $300 million, 10-year deal with San Diego. Reportedly, Machado was the Phillies main target this off-season. The organization had one final chance to beat the Padres' offer but declined, preferring to walk away instead.
Now the pressure is on Phillies management to sign Bryce Harper or else face the wrath of their fan base. After months of building up hopes, they choke?
Obviously the Phillies misread the free agent market. They thought their offer to Machado was the highest. They probably thought they may get him for cheap, certainly not $300 million. Now they need to over-spend to get Harper.
How often does a 26-year-old young superstar hit the open market? Plug Harper in right field for the next ten years. Watch him hit 50 homers a season in Citizens Bank Park. Enjoy numerous championship seasons in the meantime.
If they fail to sign Harper, do you really have faith that the Phillies will do everything in their power to sign the great Mike Trout in two years? it would seem a natural fit since Trout is a local kid, an Eagles season ticket holder, and lifelong Phillies fan.
But will the Phillies talk a good game then fail to deliver at crunch time? Will Trout still want to play locally, where the glory and pressure to perform will increase, or will he be satisfied to stay out of the limelight in Anaheim?
Let's not forget that now at least three teams- the Mets, Nationals and Padres- have spent more money than the rich Phillies this off-season. Owner John Middleton talked about "spending stupid money" yet he allows a second-rate organization like San Diego beat him to a young superstar?
This is all good news for Maikel Franco, who will now compete with Scott Kingery for the third base job. With the Machado and Mike Moustakis signings, Franco has yet another shot at winning over the hot corner. He's only 26, and with a solid year, could become the future again.
Can't blame Machado for taking the big money. The Padres have one of the best farm systems in baseball yet they probably aren't ready to win yet. Still, the weather is perfect in San Diego. Other than the Dodgers, the National League West should be fairly competitive. Machado is now the man out there, really not in the spotlight of a major market such as New York or Los Angeles. He has to be happy.
It will be interesting to see how Machado performs at spacious Petco Park in San Diego. Camden yards in Baltimore was a hitter's park. Will Machado continue his streak of hitting 30 or more home runs in four consecutive seasons?
The bottom line is that the Phils have painted themselves in a corner. They need to pony-up the cash now or else face a tremendous backlash from fans and media. We have been looking forward to this off-season for a long time. Management has been hoarded money for years. They have talked about kicking the can down the road, but this year- because of statements from ownership- was the time to stop the rebuild and win. Right now, with the additions of Realmuto, McCuthen, Robertson and Segura, the Phillies are good but are they good enough?
Passing on Manny Machado would make sense only if the Phillies do end up signing Bryce Harper when the dust settles.
- The Eagles hiked up tickets again for the third straight season. They are good, remain wildly popular and can do it. Tickets are outrageous anyway, so is it a surprise? Parking is the real issue ate Eagle games. Paying $50 for parking is ridiculous.
Great games on tap this fall, with clubs like the Patriots, Lions, Seahawks, Bears, Cowboys, Giants, Redskins and Jets visiting South Philly.
- The Flyers were out-classed at home last night, losing to Tampa Bay, 5-2. Rookie goalie Carter Hart was pulled in the first period after letting up three straight goals. Clearly the Lightening are perhaps the best team in the NHL.The Orange and Black had put themselves back in playoff contention. But last night showed just how far they have to go to be Stanley Cup winners.
The hockey trade deadline is next week. Will the Flyers deal guys like Wayne Simmonds ( who can be a free agent after the season?), with an eye on the future, or do they feel they have a legitimate shot this year?
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