All the Phillies news this offseason was about Bryce Harper.
Was the Bryce right? Well, we can argue whether his performance in the first half was worth the $330 million John Middleton pushed across the table to lure the superstar to Philly.
I like Harper. I like the way he plays the game.
I'm still waiting for that stretch where he puts the team on his back and carries it for a few weeks. He's had some really godo flashes, but far too streaky for my liking.
But this isn't about Harper.
Instead, has anyone pondered this: Anyone care to think where this team would be without another addition to this Phillies team?
I'm talking about Jay Bruce.
All he's done since coming over from Seattle is hit 10 home runs. That's on top of the 14 he had already clubbed for the Mariners.
Bruce continues to punish the Mets, the team that traded him to Seattle in the offseason. He had two more dingers yesterday to team with another outstanding start from Aaron Nola to get the Phils to the All-Star Break on a high note.
Bruce is now the first player in MLB history to have double digits in home runs for two different teams before the All-Star break.
After a hot start, the Phillies sit in third place in the NL East, a half game behind the Nationals and 6 1//2 behind the Braves. They are 47-43.
Where do you think they'd be without Bruce?
Unless the Phils address their pitching woes, not even Bruce will be able to salvage a playoff spot for this team. It's time for Matt Klentak to bring in some arms.
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