The Phillies pitchers and catchers have reported to Clearwater, but two players that have not reported to any camp include stars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.  The Phillies have long said to have remained in on both this whole time.  But might, finally, the Phillies be getting close to landing one of them?

Jim Bowden of CBS Sports, The Athletic, and Sirius XM took to the CBS Sports video feed on Saturday to discuss the latest on Harper.  Bowden seems to think the Phillies and Harper are getting somewhere:

"I see Bryce Harper either going to the Phillies or perhaps the Nationals.  But I keep hearing that there'res a lot of momentum and traction here on him going and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies...and he could be rounding third and heading to home shortly.  I'm hearing they're pretty well down the process here."

Bowden said that Harper is "ready to go".

Bowden was once general manager of the Washington Nationals and has many ties to the organization, including current general manager Mike Rizzo.  Some published reports suggested that the Nationals would have had an opportunity to match a deal as a courtesy.  Given Bowden's connections there, he might be aware if there was the opportunity given by Harper and agent Scott Boras for the Nationals to match.

While we wait, there's plenty to keep Phillies fans entertained down in Clearwater.  There is also Harper's Instagram habits, too.  The first Phillies full squad workout takes place this week.  The Phillies open Grapefruit League action in Port Charlotte on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, and they return to Spectrum Field for their home opener on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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