Scott Lauber On If Bryce Harper Could transition to First Base
There was recently an interesting wrinkle in the rehab of Bryce Harper. As first reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Bryce Harper has been working out at first base. The hope being that he could pick up the position, and eventually play it after returning from injury. 1st Base would not put as much of a strain on his throwing elbow, opening the door he could return to the field earlier than if he just played outfield. And to get insight on if that is a real option for the Phillies, The Best Show Ever talked to Scott Lauber from The Philadelphia Inquirer. Who put his own story up about that potential move earlier today.
Here is what Scott Lauber said about moving Bryce Harper to 1st base
“He spoke to Dave Dombrowski a couple of days ago about the possibility of doing this. It makes some sense. they are down two first basemen. And Bryce Harper’s rehab is going really well, probably better than anyone would have expected. There is a need. If it allows him to come back and play a defensive position sooner at first base rather than later in the outfield, it is worth taking a look at.
They are going to see if it is a viable thing. If it is, not only does it enable to get Bryce Harper in the line up at a position. But it enables to leave the DH spot open. And it also doesn’t put them is a box where they don’t have to go out and trade for a 1st baseman. This is really just sort of in its beginning stages. We will see how far it takes them. But it is certainly something worth watching”
Rhys Hoskins likely won’t be back all year and is a free agent. Darick Hall has potential, but is out for two months and has not ever proven he is an everyday player. The Phillies may get more out of playing Bryce Harper at 1st and using that DH spot to give guys like Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and JT Realmuto days off in the field.
For now, it is only something they are giving a chance. But later this season, and perhaps even going forward, there is a chance it will be Bryce Harper at 1st base for the Phillies.
You can listen to the full conversation below…
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8 Philadelphia Phillies Who Were Good, That We May Forget
Catcher- Mike Lieberthal
This one was easy, but doesn’t totally fit the narrative. Unlike outfielders and starting pitchers, the Phillies have been successful with catchers. Boone, Dutch Daulton, Ruiz, and now JT Realmuto. All have been a part of a World Series, and all have been vital parts of the team. Unfortunately for Lieberthal, who played 13 seasons with the Phillies and is now on the Wall of Fame, he came in during the 94 season and left before the Phillies won the division in 2007.
Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport
First Base - Rico Brogna
You are laughing. I know you are. But in the late 90s when the Phillies were bottom feeders, Brogna was a dim bright spot. He hit at least 20 home runs in each of his 3 full seasons with the Phillies and drove in over 100 runs twice. After leaving the Phillies he hit 4 home runs and only had 29 RBI. Something about the Vet helped Brogna’s career.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Stockman /Allsport
3B- Placido Polanco (Screw You Scott Rolen)
Scott Rolen would be the obvious answer here, but people remember Rolen. Heck, the dude is being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. So the guy that fits this conversation is Polanco. A guy who had two stints with the Phillies. He ushered in Chase Utley to second base in the early 2000s, and then came back to play third base. When I ask you to name third baseman in Phillies franchise history, your first, second, third, or fourth thought would be Polanco. In total, his 7 seasons with the Phillies were productive but didn’t lead to anything big.
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
SS- Freddy Galvis
If you are my age, you’ve had it good at shortstop. Jimmy Rollins for over a decade and now Trea Turner. You can’t go wrong there. But there was a shortstop in between who wasn’t bad (except when he came back) and that is Freddy Galvis. A guy who played almost every game had enough pop to hit 20 home runs, and was an excellent fielder. Do I miss Galvis? Absolutely not. Was he a decent ball player during the bad days of the Phillies post 07-11? Yes.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Outfield- Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton played one season here. One. You forget that he played with the Phillies. When you look at what he did, you are amazed that you forget what he did. In 2005 Lofton hit 335, THREE THIRTY-FIVE. He didn’t hit bombs, he didn’t drive in runs, but he was a staple at the top of the order for a young team.
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Outfield- Aaron Rowand
I will start with Rowand. You will always remember Aaron Rowand, but only for the catch where he broke his nose. In 2007, the guy did way more than just that. He hit .309 and smashed 27 home runs. If it wasn’t for Shane Victorino, Rowand is your centerfielder when they win the World Series in 2008. After leaving Philly and going to the Giants, he was a mediocre player. But that 2007 season got him paid, and the Phillies finally won the division.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Outfield- Bobby Abreu
Last but not least, and definitely not least, even though he gets 0 respect from Phillies fans, Bobby Abreu. I have him in this just so he gets a little love. A bubble Hall of Famer, a guy you could pencil in for 20-30 home runs and 80-100 RBI every single year. He was a great baseball player, 5 tool, and just played with bad Phillies teams. In 9 seasons with the Phillies, he finished hitting over 300. Someone that gets no respect but deserves it.
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
