2017 Phils Speculation/Wishful Thinking!

[donaldorc]

Shall we get on the Machado bandwagon, or do you prefer Harper?

MLB rumors: Orioles' Manny Machado could be next Phillies superstar

[Lawman]

Why not both? And some front line pitchers too?

It;s just way too early to speculate. And, despite a**NY** MacPhail/Klentak connections, other teams will be in on him too.

[donaldorc]

Why not? And yes, it is quite early for speculation. I'm just happy to read/discuss anything related to baseball.

[tom81]

Shall we get on the Machado bandwagon, or do you prefer Harper?

I prefer Machado of the two as I think we have a better chance of filling the OF with quality players internally than of Franco getting there.

Phillies 2017 Spring Training Discussion

Frankly I am somewhat surprised that this hasn't been a bit more of a discussion item, I can think of no successful major league club that had an all right handed rotation.

The guy who really fits this team though is Kershaw who will be able to opt out of his current contract at the same time. Whether or not this team wants to spend the $$$ on a then 31 year old pitcher that has had back issues and who was the best pitcher in baseball before that is another question.

[Austinfan]

If you're gonna break the bank, you do it for a player like Machado, but only on a ten year or less deal (surprised the league doesn't limit deals to 7 years or so to prvent deep sixing franchises for a decade, bad for business).

Klentak and I agree that you don't give big money on long-term deals to pitchers, and especially pitchers over 30.

[Patchmk88]

There is also the potential that if Franco hits well enough and our 1B don't perform, that he could play there.

[kmc1019]

Franco may be included in the July trade for Mike Trout that exists in my head.

[Lawman]

I'm there. OF of Trout, Harper, and Betts works for me.