After meeting with free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper on Saturday, the Phillies are reportedly the No. 1 contenders to sign the six-time All-Star. On the heels of the Phillies’ summit with Harper, owner John Middleton and general manager Matt Klentak shed some light on what the team accomplished by meeting with him and Scott Boras. “I think it was really positive,” Middleton told 6ABC (via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com), and Klentak agreed. “We got to understand the man,” Middleton continued. “We got to understand what he’d be like in the dugout, the clubhouse and the community. He and his wife are really an impressive young couple.” The Phillies’ contingent made a long presentation to Harper’s camp, though they reportedly haven’t issued him an offer yet.
More on a couple other NL East clubs…
- The Braves, with an opening in their outfield, are among potential bidders for free agent A.J. Pollock, Buster Olney of ESPN observes (subscription required). Although, Mark Bowman of MLB.com notes there’s “hesitance” in submitting a multiyear offer to Pollock, who’s already 31 and has battled significant injury issues on an all-too-regular basis. A one-year deal could be sensible for Atlanta, however, as Bowman contends that the team has the financial flexibility to make such a move. But as Olney points out, signing Pollock – who rejected the Diamondbacks’ qualifying offer – would cost the Braves their second-round pick in this summer’s draft. The club could view that as a fairly steep price to pay for a short-term solution.
- More on the Braves, who have hired Dana Brown as vice president of scouting, per Bowman. The 51-year-old Brown will help take over for longtime director of scouting Brian Bridges, whom the Braves dismissed Wednesday, as Carlos Collazo of Baseball America was among those to cover. Brown had been with the Blue Jays the past nine seasons, and he’ll now reunite in Atlanta with close friend and Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who was Toronto’s GM from 2009-15.
- While the Nationals have been connected to free-agent left-hander Wade Miley as a potential No. 5 starter, it’s doubtful they’ll add anyone else to their rotation on a guaranteed contract, Jamal Collier of MLB.com hears. That should rule out Miley and other free agents who are in line to receive major league deals, though Collier doesn’t close the door on the Nationals bringing in rotation candidates on minors pacts. Regardless, Washington’s starting staff is already in enviable shape, as the team has signed Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez to accompany Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and perhaps either Joe Ross or Erick Fedde.
If Harper goes to the Phillies, i wonder what Nats fans think about seeing him play for years and years for their divisional rival
If he breaks their bank, and hits like crap, I’d be happy. I think it would be funny seeing all the hypocrites in Philly that have boo’d him for years, flip and start cheering him.
I’m not sure if I’d consider them hypocrites. You see that all the time in sports. And it’s not like it’s a morality issue or anything.
If you boo, and call a player a “punk” etc., and then as soon as he joins your team, you live him and cheer for him. That’s the definition of being hypocritical.
Thank you Mr Webster.
By the way, its called being a fan. Try again.
Remember Lenny Dykstra? Yes, it’s a Philadelphia fan base common denominator. Same was true with Michael Vick and Pete Rose. I hear it every week.
Trust me, the honeymoon in Philly won’t last long for Harper or Machado if they underperform. The fans here will turn on you in a second.
Newsflash. That’s most fans
With the money involved in sports….who cares! It’s a joke. I love baseball, more so playing it, then watching today’s MLB players.
I applaud your comments!
Fans boo him cuz he’s a good player who is going against their team. Why would they continue to boo him when he is helping their team? It’s not hypocritical, it’s the changing of a situation
I can’t stand Harper no matter who’s team he’s on. He’s an overrated arrogant a-hole. (I’m not saying he’s bad, I’m saying he’s view better than he is). I’d be pissed if my team signed him. Now obviously I’d want him to do good for my team in that scenario, but I’d still hate him and I’d wish to trade him asap
*viewed
There’s a difference between booing and crossing the line, which Philly fans do like it’s their job.
Really?
You obviously don’t grasp the passion of the Philadelphia sports fan. We boo almost everyone, even our own players if they deserve it. But we’re also quick to give a deserving standing O for everyone that deserves it, rival or not. We’re a blue collar city that values loyalty and performance. Harper signing with the a Phillies would check off one of those boxes.
That’s called being a fan and I’m sure you’ve done that before!
no i’ts not. it’s us against them. now if you call that player a scrub but he becomes a star once he’s on your team then you would be right. but just hating a player on another team but then embracing him when he’s on yours is different.
I agree!!!
No, it’s called being a bunch of jerks who throw their best players under the bus.
Boos are part of the game, Harper is a professional ball player, Philadelphia is no different then NY of LA.
Sort of like the Nats fans did with Jason Werth?
Better than all the Philly fans that cheered when he broke his wrist.
are you really gonna blame anyone for doing that? If he’s the face of your archrival and kills your team, makes sense to hate him. So does that make cheering for him when he’s on your side a bad thing? He’s not an evil villian; he’s just a guy that plays baseball.
It’s amazing what a new uniform can do for a guy. He’s still a D@&K.
This is why I rarely read mlbtr comments.
All of you enjoy your sad lives.
I cheer for whoever wears my team’s uniform (unless they have some serious character issues). I boo opposing team’s players, that simple (although I admire certain players and wish they played for the Phils). As much as I “hated” Chipper, he was always my favorite non-Phillie. Once he retired it became Bryce Harper. You can imagine how psyched I’ll be if this goes down.
It’s not being a hypocrite; you’re just rooting for your clothes to beat the other clothes. 😉
LOL Phillies fans will still be booing him even when he’s on the team.
$35M a year for a guy who flopped badly in 2018 is that a one yr. fizz or is this guy really worth $350M could be the biggest bust signing in years. Good luck Phillies huge gamble signing any player for ten years.
Jayson Werth.
I’d much rather have Trout next year then Harper any day. Harper over the last several years has shown he is not close to a $350m contract. If he gets that Trout should get $450m.
i still believe braves are the darkhorse for Harper… they have been 2 quiet since the donaldson signing…. they also have the OF opening.
I just don’t see it. I think it’ll come down to the Phillies and the Nats and I have a feeling the Phillies will make it happen. I’m a Dodgers fan so I’d rather see him go to the AL but at the same time I’d be happy for the Phillies and their fans if they landed the guy. They’ve been in need of a player like him since their glory days which seems like forever now.
That would be entirely consistent with Anthopolous’s style. I’d love to see him pull it off. But if it doesn’t happen (the Harper wife reportedly prefers shopping in NYC) then it wouldn’t surprise me to hear later that the Braves were very close.
Harper to Yankees.. watch !
(Whoever dislikes is a Yankees hater)
LMAO
He will be in the short porch
Lol if you downvote you are a Yankee hater? Ok whoever downvotes my reply hates babies, America, their own religion, their parents, their kids, baseball, sex etc.
What a goofball post mike!
I’m a Yankees fan, and the last thing I wanna see is Harper, and his below average defense in the outfield. Plus he’s way overrated.
Defense over rated based on what? He is not a cfer but put him in left and he’s better then Stanton in left. Stanton was scary in left and they barely played him there.
Yankee stadium left is the largest left in baseball… not sure h handles that so easy!
Btw… I am a Yankee fan and he is not going to be a Yankee.
I’m sorry, no disrespect but that’s crazy talk lol. There’s no way.
I can’t vote on the app, but I’m a Stankees hater!
Like being a Yankee hater is a BAD thing
So 95% of the world ?
Count this as a down vote for Mike “the god”.
I don’t root for Satan’s team on the Senior Circuit, the Bird/Turd on the stick, nor do I root for Satan’s team on the Junior Circuit, the Stankees.
Two starters age 35 in Max Scherzer and Anibal Sanchez? AGE 35? I guess that’s suddenly meaningless to MLBTR …. guess you’ve been listening to Nightengale on that too? Wait, Stras is a great starter when healthy but he hasn’t made upwards of 30 starts since 2014? That’s three so far? Ross just back from TJ. Fedde still inconsistent also a TJ rehab type recently? They traded their healthiest pitcher in Roark?
I think they need to go for Miley or, if they can, one of those Indian’s starters.
You’re right about the need for rotation depth. It was their downfall last season.
Rizzo will sign a couple minor league with invite deals for aging vets, hoping to add depth, like he did with Hellickson last year.
Scherzer was very solid last season… but he looked more hittable than in years past…. if I remember correctly, the Braves had his #
Teams like the Braves, that could fill the lineup with lefty bats, were a challenge for Scherzer. The Braves hit .233 vs Max last season, better than any other team.
What is the point of signing players like Donaldson and Pollock
to a one year deal if you’re still multiple rotation and bullpen pieces away from being a legit contender in 2019? They’re not gong to trade them at the deadline in all likelihood because they’ll be in contention. But they’re not World Series good with that roster.
dont know what you are talking about… the rotation may lack a stud name but it has alot of upside! you are buggin!
They didnt win the division for NO reason!
upside, yes. but the young pitching needs more seasoning, and isnt WS worthy in 2019, like i said. bullpen especially. and every team in that division except the marlins got a lot better. so they are less likely to repeat and i’m a braves fan..
they got experience last season and when they were able to hold off the Nats and the Phillies…. they brought alot of pitchers up from the minors (Touki and Soroka) that played well…
they may not be a favorite for the WS but they are definitely a contender for it…. LA has lost alot of pieces… the braves have been quiet but they still added Donaldson
the bullpen can always be addressed during the season when teams fall out of contention…. this bullpen will not keep them from contending for a playoff spot and the div. title
the nl east has been weak in recent years. especially in years that Atlanta won it. they only had one other team above 500 and that was only by 2 games. ATL would have finished 3rd in the central or west with that record. Winning the NL east is no accomplishment
winning the nl east isn’t an accomplishment. it was by far the weakest division in the NL last year. the Braves would have finished 3rd in the central or west with their record. they’ll probably win the nl east again and then get knocked out first round by a real team.
The Braves got A LOT better?
subtracting Markakis and adding donaldson….Yes they got a lot better
The A.L. Central just cleared its throat.
Markakis hit .297 with 93 RBIs. How does losing him make them better?
DONT BE STUPID….
Markakis had a HORRIBLE 2nd half, has NO POWER and is not a MIDDLE OF THE LINE UP BAT… IF donaldson is HEALTHY… which all reports state he is… HIS BAT IS A HUGE UPGRADE OVER MARKAKIS…..
Josh Donaldson plays 3rd base. Markakis is RF. They could have had both and Markakis wouldn’t have had to be a middle of the order bat. His second half numbers are still better than his replacement Duvall. I dont think they should have resigned him but losing him did not make them better at all.
Proving you are a Jackass…
WHEN DID HE GET SIGNED? to my knowledge… he is on the backburner waiting for the braves to send him a contract… from what I understand, he is the fallback option.
SOOOO, Technically they have not lost him yet… signaling that more player additions are in the works 😉
they didnt even give him a qualifying offer and he definitely isn’t just waiting on them to make him an offer. proving you are a jackass you tried to say losing a gold glove winner, a 297 average and 93 RBIs made them better.
they didnt give him a QO cuz he would have accepted it….. JFTR, I hope they dont resign him…. you are a delusional Jackass for trying to hype up the loss of Markakis when they added donaldson….
you’re acting like they play the same position. They could have had both. Losing a gold glove, 97 rbis and a 297 avg doesn’t make you better when the current replacement isn’t going to put up anywhere near that
mlb fans and more importantly, braves fans, need to wait until offseason moves are complete… Braves still have between 20 and 30 mil avail for this seasons payroll….. you are making it sound like Markakis is a STUD and should be re-signed….
are you his agent?
do you want him on your team??
he’s a good player. losing him with Adam Duvall as his current replacement makes them worse. the Braves aren’t big spenders. they aren’t gonna go out a grab a Harper. They could have gotten Markakis for probably 10 million a year, solidifying RF with a great glove and nice support bat and then spent the rest to bring kimbrel back. All the replacement options are either going to cost more money or solid prospects for similar production.
they have not publicly said that markakis wont be re-signed… they have been linked with a # of different options…. including but not limited to pollock and texas not to mention Realmuto as well….. they are far from done making moves.
I have faith in the GM to make the right call on who to aquire….
Will you disappear when they finally come out of the woodwork and make a worthwhile aquisition?
with that being said
“Markakis for probably 10 million a year, solidifying RF with a great glove and nice support bat and then spent the rest to bring kimbrel back. All the replacement options are either going to cost more money or solid prospects for similar production.”
they just may go out and do that…. i hope they find a more exiting bat than markakis though
but according to you, losing him was a big upgrade. Pollock would cost more than Markakis and has a history of being injury prone and would require them to give up a draft pick. Texas isn’t gonna trade young cheap talent like gallo or mazara unless it’s a good package. Markakis is the best option in every aspect.
i never said losing him was an upgrade…. I said adding donaldson was the upgrade!
if he was gone and they did not get donaldson they would be in worse position than last year… i dont have faith in Markakis to be a full time player and dependent part of the offense
i trust in the GM to make the right move…. bring back markakis…. trade for JT…. pick up Kimbrel…. those are all possibilities… I dont think they make more than 1 trade though…
i would rather have a stronger piece in the offense… but he can be serviceable
all 3 of those moves seem to be attainable and not break the bank
what happened to losing Markakis being a good thing?
The rotation at least has the potential to be competitive given the talent, it’s just young and unknown
But the bullpen you’re right. This isn’t a bullpen that can win a WS and there’s not nearly as much potential upside as the starters
The point is to avoid long-term expenses. This is procrastination while the youngins in the rotation grab the reins then they can secure a long term piece when they need to without having to worry if there is room in the budget. A lot of talent available over the next 2-3 years including a lot of (potential) aces next year (Sale, Gerrit Cole, Verlander?, MadBum?, Zack Wheeler?). Why meet Pollock’s demands if the market doesn’t dictate it and there are other reasonable options – which there are?
I feel like a lot of people who are saying the Braves rotation isn’t WS worthy are the same people who said last year the team couldn’t win the division. This is baseball. If two or three guys get a little more consistent, the landscape could change in a hurry. Would I love another frontline starter? You betcha. Can the Braves succeed without one? It’s way too soon to say they can’t.
How can you call them a legit contender for 2019 when they won the NL East in 2018? It’s not like they’re the Marlins.
as of now they are the DEFENDING NL EAST CHAMPS… THAT MAKES THEM ONE OF THE BEST 6 TEAMS in THE NL
Just let all the experts pick WSH per usual so they can disappoint again. Love this cycle of lunacy that is preseason rankings.
The division is easily winnable, which gives them a legit shot at a ws title, without having to sign anybody long term that interferes with the prospects they already have?
Even if they’re a flawed team, they’d have a chance
It’s clear the Braves are reluctant to part ways with top prospects por Realmuto or and elite OF like Haniger so why they ser taking so long to look at 1 year rentals like Jones? Or partner in a trade with Texas or SD for an OF?
a trade is coming…. if they dont get harper or pollock…. i can see a trade with SD or Texas on the horizon. Signing Jones would not make any sense as he is just like Markakis…
Pache has been rumored to be available and I would think Riley in the right scenario, as well as plenty of their arms. In the right scenario I think they want to trade, but not in a massive overpay that some are demanding, especially if the piece they are getting back is a major upgrade, but still not the coveted ace we have been scouring for. I can’t imagine what Jerry is wanting for Haniger whom he has said he is not trading.
It’s been rumored that he wants 3 top prospects. He’s spoken so highly of him that it would take an overpay x 3. It was rumored Bryse Wilson, and Christian Pache was a part of a deal but they wanted more.
As well they should – neither is in the top-5 in team rankings. I doubt that was the best offering for Haniger.
i think marlins will crack and take the braves offer.. whatever that may be
Whoever signs either Harper or Machado for 10 or more years will regret it, when will they ever learn. I don’t know of one long term deal when a team was happy about it halfway through to the end of it.
C.C. Sabathia was an amazing long term deal for both player and team
Alex Rodriguez’s 1st one. Even though he was traded, he was still rewarded with another 10 year deal halfway through the first one and he played very well the first half of the second one.
Joey Votto’s deal is looking pretty good for the Reds as well..
hiflew,
What you don’t factor in is the percentage of the payroll those salaries took, and how they limited moves the FO could make for years. Yes, even the wealthy Yankees were affected. The Reds have simply been handcuffed.
Why were the Yankees trying to trade him and why did they pay him his last year and did not play
Reds are stuck with him, they have no choice but seems to me there was talk about trading him but he would not go
Matt Holliday was a good deal till the end…
Imma ignore all machado and Harper “news” on here till they actually agree to a deal, whose with me ? !
Me
yeah good luck with that
Heyward and Zobrist to Atlanta. Harper to Cubs.
no one wants that garbage
Zobrist is quality, always has been but he will stay a Cub. Three teams have an interest in Heyward but even with a salary dump I don’t think the Cubs would sign Harper. Maybe Trout next year?
Plus don’t they have a ntc?
No
no need for Zobrist
So Atlanta is trading a free agent to the Cubs for two of their players? Steve Trachsel deserves smarter fans.
Lol
3 World Series rings for 0?
what are the Braves looking for in RF? some magical unicorn that comes with no risk and a 1 year deal? almost every team in the division is taking risks to win. It’s the game of thrones division and right now the Braves look like house Arryn. Baseball is not played on paper, but as of right now, the Braves look like 3rd place on paper.
again… they won the div last year and have not lost any pieces from that team besides Markakis and Suzuki…. they have gotten better with the additions they have made not worse.
The SPs have more experience this year being that they were involved in a pennant chase and playoff series….
Braves are still the best team in the division until proven otherwise!
the division is not WON ON PAPER!
i mean we definitely have gotten better, but our division has gotten way better. I just hate seeing the hesitancy to fill voids on our team.
wating for the right deal…. i am glad they have not done the things that philly and the nats have done this offseason including the nats Sanchez signing… good things come to those who wait!
If Oday is on the team, he will help the bullpen… he didnt have any arm injury…. Minter with a season under his belt will also help
top it off that they still may get JT and an OF or another bullpen piece…. the division will be a battle but I dont see them losing it
winning a wealth division isn’t an accomplishment.
it does when that is the div. you are in
the nl east was by far the weakest division in the NL. They would have finished 3rd in the west or central with their record.
THATS JUST THE THING… NOTHING OF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS POSSIBLE AND TOTALLY IRRELEVANT… THEY ARE IN THE EAST NOT THE CENTRAL
DUMBASS!
Saying they won the division means nothing when they play in an incredibly weak division. Only one other team was even 500 and that was by only 2 games. They cant hang with serious teams that play tough games all year.
that was last year… experience they got from last year should make them better … if you think the top teams in the NL are gonna walk all over them, you are sadly mistaken
All the other top teams also got more experience. The Braves playoff record for their last 5 appearances is 4-13. It happens every time. They win 90+ games in a soft division, get to October and get knocked out first round by a real team.
as I said b4… you should petition MLB to cancel the regular season since , according to you, those wins dont count
when the giants won the world series as a wildcard team, do you think anyone cared that the Dodgers won more games in the regular season?
“Braves are still the best team in the division”
Actually everything resets and last I checked everyone is 0-0
Saying they’re the best team in the division because of last years performances is about as valid as claiming they’re not the best based on paper.
The NL East is hard to predict at the moment. Not sure if I’d predict Atlanta to win again. They could but not exactly overwhelming favorites (but none of them are).
What we can say is other NL East teams have addressed their weaknesses and the Braves have not.
And what place did you have them ranked “on paper” before last year started? The Braves are a pretty good young team with a lot of potential to improve. There’s no reason for them to accept unnecessary risks to try to grab the brass ring this season.
I get your point, and like I said baseball isn’t played on paper. I just don’t want to see them go cheap and get a margainal replacement for RF. If we were playing last years teams in the East I’d feel comfortable, but all the teams in the East aside from the Marlins have made major strides. this division will be much more difficult to win this year. But we’ll see what happens, hopefully I’m just being impatient and good moves are coming.
Don’t sign pollack. As if the injury concern isn’t great enough and then to have to give up a 2nd round pick on top of that, no thanks!
Can’t these owners just get together and agree to say, “I pass.” This is ruining baseball. Harper’s batted under .250 3 out of last 4 seasons and has a bad attitude. Let’s move on and get excited about players that people actually like.
Like who???
Like your mom. Plays ball like a champ.
Edgy.
Hope he goes to philly so he can continue his losing ways They are 3rd best in the division (at best) with Harper. Lol
” philly so he can continue his losing ways They are 3rd best in the division (at best) with Harper. Lol”
If “Stupid Money” doesn’t pay Machado too then you’re right.
moro n
I sincerely hope the Phillies sign both Harper and Machado.
People that think winning in MLB is all about celebrities, drama queens selling their brand, flash to get on Cable TV highlight shows, statistics, and teams loading themselves up with massive salary commitments, need to be taught a lesson.
If they sign both Machado and Harper, they will win. The Phillies have already made the best trade of the winter by landing five years of Jean Segura for virtually nothing.
I want both Machado and Harper on the Phillies in 2019 so you and your kind can see that you are flat out wrong and ridiculous.
ScottRolen;
I think their defense, baserunning, and attention span fits in perfectly with the other Philllies position players.
After all the pub they got, I tried watching their games about 5 times. Painful. Like squeaky fingernails on the chalkboard for the eyes.
But I can understand those that think MLB is the same as wiffleball wetting their seats in anticipation of automatic wins coming when these guys show up.
So you are advocating collusion? Because, were that to happen and it leaked publicly, the MLBPA would sue MLB so fast, and win, that it would cost MLB millions.
batty,
Seriously, if teams elect to stay within a budget and not be irresponsible – that’s “collusion”?
I’ll bet you have no clue about the expenses ML clubs have, and that you would care if someone dumped a balance sheet on you.
The players’ percentage of the revenue generated by MLB is dwindling. Yes, it is collusion. Fans pay to watch the players, not the owners.
You seem to know what’s happening to the salaries percentage. Do you have any clue as to what is happening to the profit? Insurance costs? Travel cost? Medical costs? Stadium upkeep? Scouting? Analytics? I am betting all those cost items have gone up for all teams. Profit probably varied based on the team. Overall, I wouldn’t be surprised if increasing costs (much of which benefits the players: travel, lodging, medical) account for that change.
Look up the definition of collusion, in this context.
Of course i have no idea what organization’s have in total expenses. Neither do you. But i’m not so clueless as to think/believe that the ML payroll is the sole total.
Sure and once MLB is sued and lose then the fans pick up the tab, hope you think about that.
GV, I think most owners did get together… but with their front office (not other owners), and say “I pass”
Because only 2-4 teams are in on Harper, most teams have agreed that they don’t see the value with the asking price.
Stanton to Dodgers for a few prospects. Harper signs with Yanks for 8 years at 40 mill per year. Opens up DH spot for Yanks for Andujar, Sanchez, and rehabbing Didi. DJ can play some third while Andujar is DH. Bird and Voit can DH some.
stop with the craziness that the yankees are getting any other stars this year…. you are a dumbass! lmao
I’m a dumbass? Lol
Your name is Harmony?
No… Its Har-Money…. like music and dolla signs….. the name of my entertainment company…. @harmoneyent on instagram =)
Urban Latin Artist Booking Agency
The Dodgers would never make such a stupid trade. Already a good team and taking on those kids of contracts is not Friedman’s style. Why would he make a trade he doesn’t need to make just to bail out the Yankees?
Bail out the Yankees???? The Dodgers trading for a right handed 29yo super star right fielder to fill a need and the fact his cap hit is 22.5 mill per year is not bailing out the Yanks. Are you even a Dodger fan?
Yes, I am a Dodger fan. And I would want no part of Stanton’s debilitating contract. The Dodgers have a large window for contending, and Stanton wouldn’t fill; a need as the 2019 outfield is set.
Braves will trade for Realmuto & Conley
Resign Markakis
Sign Cody Allen
Steelerbravenation give up on the JTR man we don’t need him. We need a RF not named Markakis. JTR would be a waste of resources.
JTR is not a waste of resources! First we don’t know the cost, and second we don’t know whoever we trade are going to be any good any way. We know what JTR is.
I was at the duel of the year when it was Nola vs Scherzer II in philly, I was chanting We don’t want you harper go to chicago. But I think I prefer Harper now to Machado, His antics in the playoffs changed my mind.
The Atlanta Blue Jays has a nice ring to it.
Will the Braves get a single player this offseason not on a 1-year deal with articles saying “looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2018”? What a blunder compared to the Mets and Phillies’ offseasons.
this coming from a Marlins fan…. LMAO… i will take this comment as a sign that the Braves are making the right moves! LOL
The Mets have had a horrible off-season. Badly in need of a rebuild, instead took on the untradeable contract of Cano and then cluelessly gave two years to Lowrie. Harper to the Phillies would eliminate them from playoff contention in January. With the Dodgers and Rockies both playing 57 games against division opponents that are rebuilding,m a maximum of two playoff teams with come out of the East. The Mets would now be the fourth best team in the division.
If the Mets have a healthy rotation from Thor and Matz , then they have a shot for the wildcard. But i still like the phillies chances if they add harper or machado. Then possibly make a trade for another starter.
from past experience, I would not bet the farm that Thor and Matz stay healthy all year
The Mets have no depth at either the big league or minor league level. An injury hurts them more than it would a legitimate playoff contender. They have TWO good outfielders. What do they do if Conforto or Nimmo goes down? Call up Tim Tebow?
The Mets need a rebuild? News to me. Had the best record in the East after the AS break last year.
They’ve been hit by injuries and needed a better offense and assuming healthy look ready to contend.
This coming from a Braves fan
Everyone has injuries. The Dodgers had more injuries and to better players yet still made the World Series. The Mets need to many “ifs” to work out and that never happens. They have no depth and had that “best record in the East” long after their season was in the toilet.
Fortunately, the games have to be played before anyone is eliminated. A Harper signing will not eliminate anyone in January. Who knows? He could get injured. If the Mets stay healthy, they could be the class of the division. Even if they don’t, they could still contend because BVW did get some depth pieces. Several of the minor league signings are major leaguers who still have something left in the tank – Rajai Davis, Gregor Blanco, Hector Santiago, Luis Avilán, etc. They did give up a couple high prospects, but not their top 2.
If you looked at just at March/April and September last season, the Mets’ record was 35-20. There’s no reason the starting rotation couldn’t pick up where it left off.
Mets farm system is ranked #23 or #24 depending on which rating system you look at. DeGrom had a career year that will not be repeated. Take another look at those depth pieces you mentioned, then look at what other teams have. You are saying could get injured, then suggesting the entire Mets team will stay healthy. Which is more likely to happen?
braves, nats, phillies, mets until proven otherwise!
Why do people feel the need to make a move simply to make a move or to satisfy a fans desire for a deal in January? It’s not like Atlanta has 5 holes to fill. It’s still only Jan 13th as well.
Braves stink.
You must have watched football instead of the Braves pathetic performance against the Dodgers.
Exactly. Like the Dodgers, the Braves are loaded. They are playing this off-season right. You don’t make moves just for the sake of it.
YUP! and when they get a deal done…. it will make sense.
Lowry 35 years old coming off career year to the METS LMAO …
Cano contract on the METS LMAO
GIVING CUTCH 50mil LMAO ….
CORBIN GETTING ALL THAT MONEY LMAO
Braves will wind up with JT and either Pollock a texas OF or SD OF
+ Kimbrel, Allen or another RP… after that… who is the favorite
I will feel alot more confident if the Braves face the dodgers this year in the playoffs… not saying they will win, but it will be much more interesting! BRAVES ARE 1 of the BEST TEAMS IN THE NL… BREWERS, DODGERS, and BRAVES are still top 3 in the NL… dont care about what moves have been made.
“Braves will wind up with JT and either Pollock a texas OF or SD OF
+ Kimbrel, Allen or another RP… after that… who is the favorite”
And when they don’t you’ll still be calling them the favorites. So why do you even want those players? Braves are the favorites end of discussion in your mind
I guess we will all have to see when the season begins….. I am confident that in the next 2 weeks we will be hearing all bout the braves additions ;P
Not only that, but the Braves and Dodgers have a window well beyond 2019. What the Mets have done boggles the mind. They will be the Orioles in two years.
LMAO… YUP!
Braves aren’t top 3 in the NL. LA, CHC, MIL, STL, are all for sure better than Atlanta. And you can make an argument that so is COL.
CHC is an aging ballclub that has done nothing to get better…
MIL has AWESOME BATS but QUESTIONABLE PITCHING
LA has not gotten better either… they have lost Offense (probably still #1 until some1 takes the strap though)
STL has gotten better but will be in a battle with MIL…
so if I am wrong about saying Braves are top 3…. I can definitely see TOP 4 with opportunity to be higher… and thats without anymore additions… if they get other pieces they will be in the top 3 or better
CHC’s core of Bryant, Baez, Russel, Schwarber and Rizzo are all very young still and they have a great rotation. MIL’s ERA was lower than ATL last year and that’s with them facing better teams in the central. STL added big peices with goldy and Miller and waino is finally healthy. LA has the best rotation in the NL and Seager is back this year. COL with their offense, if they even have a decent pitching staff they’ll win 90 games. The Braves are at best 5.
Last year they were probably ranked 11th before the season started….i guess this is y they play those meaningless games… right?
well they weren’t picked to win the WS and they got destroyed by the Dodgers in the first round. So tell me how they stack up to the legit teams again? Its great to see a team win 90 games against the atrocious Marlins, a still rebuilding Phillies, and injury riddled Mets and nationals and then think they can play with the big boys.
Nationals win the east this year.
The Dodgers haven’t lost anyone who figured in their plans. Current roster is as good as the 2017 team.
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Manny and Bryce ask “Where is it?”
I am still sitting here wondering the same thing. Getting late in free agency and haven’t seen hardly any spending by them at all and definitely no stupid money lol. He made a big promise to their fans and haven’t lived up to it yet.
so what does that say about the phillies and nationals?
ATL would get smacked by CHC, MIL, STL, and LA come October.
are we already in October?
October is what really matters. You can win 90 games in the worst division in the NL all you want but they’ll get smacked when they play real teams in meaningful games.
I guess the MLB should just start the playoffs in April they right after spring training since the rest of the season is meaningless… you my friend are a JACKASS! @bball32
The Yankees won 100 games. They lost in October. Which one do you think they care about? I wouldn’t expect a Braves fan to understand what playoffs are like.
In all four rounds but somehow they keep advancing!
How about the Phils sign Harper, Machado and bring back Papulbon (sp, I know)….that would make things seriously interesting in the land of brotherly love.
Love it!! Each taking turns to choke out the other. Ratings blockbuster.
Wade Miley deserves a major league contract with incentives. He had a 1.5 War last year+a great ERA. Miley was a great bargain for 2.5 million for the Brewers. He gets hurts too much+can a bad year, but his low cost makes him a good risk.
if philly signs Harper… pollock will be forced to take a contract from the braves at a very affordable #… if I am not mistaken…no other teams in need of an OF
I mean, the Os, Marlins, and tigers could really use a couple. Who knows what that means though
well… none of them will be signing a top FA… realized after my post that the indians or whitesox may though
Indians reds Chisox and dodgers could all use an OF. Pollock could go to any of those as well and they would likely pay more than the Braves.
Reds just got puig and kemp…. dont see them putting more money in the OF. i mentioned the indians and whitesox….. forgot about the dodgers though.
rumors that Pollock was talking with the braves… didnt hear any about the other 3 though
The Dodgers are fine in the outfield.
i can agree with that
Manny and Bryce contract costs are not worth the risk for just one player. They have a lemon smell to them. Bryce had a down year last year. No players are worth 200 million or over a 6-year deal. Almost all of these super expensive deals are failures. Simple injuries or apathy.
Wonder if the Pirates are willing to deal Starling Marte or Dickerson.
that would be great… but probably unlikely
I think Phillies would have a good shot at signing Trout, so throwing their “stupid money” at Harper and Machado sounds counter productive, in saying that putting all their eggs in the Trout basket isn’t smart either. Conundrum… what would you do?
I live in the Philly area and love it, but no way Trout leaves Southern California to come here. I think he will leave the Angels, just not for the Phillies.
Phillies said “stupid money” but they didn’t say for a stupid amount of time. I wouldn’t be surprised if both received offers of $35+ Million AAV, just not for the appx. 10 years desired each. That is why so few teams are in the race, they have no desire to hand out 10 year contracts.
S T A N T O N! Trade with the Yankees for him. Let the Yankees get Harper. Stanton is a better player for the Phillies.
Mish retweeted saying the padres bowed out on Realmuto weeks ago bcuz they were asking 2 much…. i hope BRAVES or BUST has to be the likely outcome =)