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QUOTE OF THE DAY: John Middleton
(Phillies Owner)
“We’re going into this expecting to spend money, and maybe even be a bit stupid about it.”
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The Bryce is Right
Bryce Harper Inks Largest Contract in American Sports History (13 Years, $330 Million)
“We’re going into this expecting to spend money, and maybe even be a bit stupid about it.”
That was Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton back in November. The headline that day was Stupid Money. Over 100 days later, and after adding J.T. Realmuto, Jean Segura, and Andrew McCutcheon, the Phillies swung for the fences with the longest and largest contract in American sports history. But hold on...
For a baker’s dozen and $330 million, Harper will move three hours up I-95 to the Nationals’ rival, and haunt their pitchers for at least 240 games until 2032. However, the deal includes a no-trade clause, no opt-out, and an annual salary of only $25.4 million. In five years, this could feel like a steal for Philadelphia.
More Math: Similar to Manny Machado’s deal, Harper will make roughly $44,000 per plate appearance over the next 13 years, more than the median household income in Philadelphia.
Future Phillies?
Don’t forget Mike Trout – a New Jersey native and Eagles season-ticket holder – becomes a free agent in 2020. You might think it’s impossible for Philly to make the cash work for both, but take a deeper look at Harper’s deal… Long-term, no opt-out, less annual salary. If Trout would take a similar deal, the Phillies could lock in both sluggers for the long run at roughly $50-55 million a year, combined, and rule the NL for a decade with Trout and Harper teeing off on opposing pitchers.
Additional Reads
USA Today: Where Bryce Harper’s Deal Ranks All-Time
The Ringer: The Ripple Effect of Bryce Harper’s Record-Setting Contract
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The Return of 82
Jason Witten Wants One Last Crack at a Cowboys Super Bowl
One year after retiring – and spending the season with Booger McFarland and Joe Tessitore on Monday Night Football – Jason Witten is returning to the Dallas Cowboys on a 1-Year, $3.5 million deal. The deal also includes bonuses and incentives up to $5 million for the 37-year-old tight end.
Booth 'Boys
Witten was often compared to his former Dallas teammate, Tony Romo, who also jumped from Cowboy to color commentary. Romo received high praises in the booth. Witten, not so much. After the ‘Boys in Big D missed the playoffs in Witten’s retirement year, they bounced back with a division title, and a legitimate run into the playoffs in 2018.
Back in the Dirt: “This team has a great group of rising young stars, and I want to help them make a run at a championship… I’m looking forward to getting back in the dirt.”
Additional Reads
Yahoo Sports: Ex-Cowboy DeMarcus Ware Inspired by Witten, Considering Comeback
NFL.com: Jason Witten’s Return Will Hinder Cowboys
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Harden Hangs 58 on Heat
Trying to remember a day when James Harden wasn’t a headline. A 58-point performance last night against Miami gave the Beard his sixth 50-point game of the season. Harden’s Rockets beat the Heat 118-112, and he added 10 assists, seven rebounds and four steals. Watch Highlights
Stat Story: Harden is averaging 36.2 points per game this season, the most by any player in a single season since Michael Jordan averaged 37.1 in 1986-87. In the last 30 years, Kobe Bryant boasts the highest scoring average during a single season at 35.4 (2005-06).
It Gets Better: Factor in Harden’s 7.6 assists per game and take a deep breath. No player in NBA history has averaged 35 points and five assists during the course of an entire season.
Other NBA Notes
- Bojan Bogdanovic caught fire and scored 37 points to lead Indiana past Minnesota (122-115). (Watch Highlights)
- The Warriors lost their second game in two nights after a fourth-quarter collapse against the Magic (106-93). (Watch Highlights)
- Tobias Harris hit five triples and scored 32 points to lift the 76ers over the Thunder (108-104). (Watch Highlights)
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NCAAB: A Shocker from the Shockers!
Wichita State blew a six-point lead with a minute to go against UConn, then totally redeemed itself. After the Huskies tied the game at 63-all, Samaje Haynes-Jones drove the length of the court and netted a fadeaway buzzer-beater. (Watch Highlight)
NHL: Tavares the Traitor
John Tavares returned to Nassau Coliseum to face his former team for the first time on Thursday night. After spending nine seasons with the Islanders, Tavares left for the Maple Leafs last summer. He was booed by Islander fans every time he touched the puck, and New York got sweet revenge with a 6-1 win. (Watch Highlights)
PGA: Vegas in Florida
Geography puzzle? No, that’s Jhonnatan Vegas – the only Venezuelan golfer on the PGA Tour – and he ripped up the opening round of the Honda Classic with a bogey-less, 6-under 64. Ernie Els, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, and Justin Thomas are in hot pursuit. (Round 1 Highlights)
MLS: Atlanta Advancing
Atlanta United advanced to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions League thanks to a 4-0 beatdown of Herediano on Thursday night. Josef Martinez scored twice and Brad Guzan had a save to remember. (Watch Highlights)
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Detroit Mercy’s Antoine Davis Passes Steph Curry for Most 3s by a Freshman
(Sports Illustrated)
Robert Kraft Pleads Not Guilty to Solicitation Charges
(CBS Sports)
WR Demaryius Thomas Arrested on Vehicular Assault Charges
(ESPN)
Kyler Murray Measures 5-10 1/8 at NFL Combine
(Sporting News)
Ravens Emerge as Favorites for Le’Veon Bell
(Bleacher Report)
Blue Jays Sign Free Agent Pitcher Clay Buchholz
(ESPN)
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The Must-Watch List
The weekend rundown features a dose of soccer clashes, pro and college hoops, playoff-race hockey, and a UFC fight with a lot of hype. If you're missing football, hop to NFL Network to watch NFL combine workouts all weekend long. We'll catch you up on Monday. Enjoy!
NBA
Friday: Blazers at Raptors (8:00 pm ET)
Saturday: Warriors at 76ers (8:30 pm ET)
Sunday: Rockets at Celtics (3:30 pm ET)
NCAAB
Saturday: (4) Kentucky at (7) Tennessee (2:00 pm ET)
Sunday: (9) Michigan at (17) Maryland (3:45 pm ET)
NHL
Friday: Predators at Jets (8:00 pm ET)
Saturday: Sabres at Maple Leafs (7:00 pm ET)
Sunday: Blackhawks at Sharks (10:00 pm ET)
SOCCER
MLS: D.C. United at Atlanta United (Sunday 6:00 pm ET)
USWNT: Friendly vs. England (Saturday 4:30 pm ET)
EPL: Tottenham vs. Arsenal (Saturday 7:30 am ET)
El Clasico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (Saturday 2:45 pm ET)
Serie A: Napoli vs. Juventus (Sunday 2:30 pm ET)
PGA
Friday – Sunday: Honda Classic
UFC 235: Light Heavyweight Title
Saturday: Jon “Bones” Jones vs. Anthony Smith (10:00 pm ET)
NFL Combine
Friday – Sunday: On-field workouts (NFL Network)
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