Philadelphia Phillies president Dave Dombrowksi recently made some more comments on Bryce Harper.
It seems pretty clear that the relationship between Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper and team president Dave Dombrowski is fractured, and likely permanently.
Dombrowski cut Harper deeply when he said that the slugger was no longer an "elite" player over the winter, and Harper has obviously not let it go.
Prior to the MLB trade deadline, Harper made some very candid remarks about what the Phillies needed to do in order to improve the roster (multiple times, too), and evidently, Philadelphia's front office was not too enthralled about it.
Jayson Stark of The Athletic recently spoke with Dombrowski regarding the Harper situation, and while the executive said that he had a positive conversation with the two-time NL MVP, it still appears apparent that there is some animus.
“I talked to him on (Friday) night when we were in Baltimore, and just had a chance to chat with him,” Dombrowski said, per Stark. “And he said, ‘Dave, I didn’t mean … that wasn’t a personal comment. I just felt we needed help.’ And I said, ‘You know, I get it.’”
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.Dombrowski then kind of, sort of took a subtle shot at Harper. Or at least one can interpret it that way.
“Because I’ve done it for a while, I think you learn that … that’s just today’s world,” Dombrowski added. “I mean, guys, when they say things, they’re so much more emotional.”
In other words, players like Harper — players of today's game — don't have their emotions in check like those of previous eras.
To be fair, Dombrowski did add that he himself can be emotional and that he always wants to "confirm" with people how they are actually feeling.
I guess the important thing is that Dombrowski had a productive discussion with Harper, and it resulted in the Phillies going out and landing second baseman Luis Arraez as well as relief pitchers Caleb Kilian and Brooks Raley before the deadline.
But you do have to wonder about Harper's future in Philadelphia.
Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies before the 2019 season. His deal runs through 2031.
What if Philly misses the playoffs this year? Or what if the team makes the postseason but gets bounced early yet again? Could a parting of ways happen?
Harper and Dombrowski seem to be maintaining as professional of a relationship as possible, but you do have to wonder just how much longer they will tolerate one another. Especially if they lose.
