I wanted Manny Machado. I've never been that big of a Harper fan. But I will say he immediately makes this team better. I mean, realistically, who would you rather have out in right field-Harper or Nick Williams? I think Harper is largely a product of hype and Scott Boras. But hype doesn't win MVP awards. Talent does. And Harper has tons.
Harper will be an absolute beast playing 81 games a season at CBP. In 50 career games in Philadelphia, Harper has 14 homers in 208 at-bats. That's 1 HR every 14.86 at-bats. Of course, it was against the Phillies, but he'll be able to feast on pitchers from all over from now on.
Thirteen years is an insanely long contract. I'm sure the Phillies are counting on the DH coming to the National League in the very near future. That's the only way I see him surviving the length of the contract without breaking down.
So where does Harper fit in manager Gabe Kapler's lineup? I kinda like the looks of this:
Jean Segura SS
Cesar Hernandez 2B
Bryce Harper RF
Rhys Hoskins 1B
JT Realmuto C
Andrew McCutchen RF
Odubel Herrera CF
Maikel Franco 3B
Harper and Hoskins each have the ability to hit 40 homers and drive in 100 runs. Realmuto and McCutchen should be good for 25 each. This team is going to score a ton of runs and should be the favorites to win the NL East.
I think they're done tinkering with the roster for now. I look for them to add a starting pitcher over the summer. Maybe Cole Hamels will come home if the Cubs underachieve. I wanted him last year.
But for now, let's bask in the glory of Philadelphia being a baseball destination again. Baseball is back and there's only 4 weeks until Opening Day.
No comments:
Post a Comment