Is anything actually happening with Bryce Harper, or has this weekend been just another false start?
Within the last 24 hours, former Nationals GM Jim Bowden, former Marlins president David Samson, and national baseball reporter Jon Heyman have all indicated Harper is close to making a decision.
It's important, however, to pay attention to the words and phrases used in each instance.
Bowden said on CBS that he's heard the Phillies and Harper "could be rounding third base." The word "could" was used several times during the two-minute video, which sounded more like an educated guess than a report.
Sunday morning, Samson tweeted this. It's not a report of any sort, just his reaction to rumors that may or may not be credible.
Rumors spreading that Harper will be a Phillie for 10 years and 310 million. Boras gets bailed out again by an owner. Still doesn't beat Stanton, but will certainly beat Machado. Like saving half a face for the player and the agent. Now, back to your regularly scheduled rumors. — David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) February 17, 2019
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Sunday afternoon, Heyman tweeted this:
"Things are heating up with Harper. Intensified is the word I heard. Phillies are the favorite, but word remains that nothing's done yet. Will be a long-term deal."
The Phillies have been viewed as a favorite for Harper for months. That is not new information.
Harper has been expected all along to sign a long-term deal. That is not new information.
Heyman's tweet indicates things are progressing, though it doesn't explicitly state that anything is actually imminent with the Phillies.
It's difficult at times like this to decipher whether there is actual momentum toward a deal, or whether several people around the game are just parroting each other and adding a new word here and there.
Logically, it makes sense that Harper would be nearing a decision as spring training games are set to begin in less than a week.
Logically, it makes sense that the Phillies would end up with him as they've been an aggressive suitor for top talent all winter and appear to have the most resources of any of the teams pursuing Harper and Manny Machado.
Doesn't mean it will definitely happen, but you can understand why so many are taking this particular educated guess.
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