Report: Phillies Owner Middleton's Plane is in Harper's City

Philadelphia Phillies fans have been commenting on social media that they are tired of hearing about rumors between the Philadelphia Phillies and free agent outfielder Bryce Harper. Many such rumors come from national sources, perhaps planted by agent Scott Boras as a negotiation tactic. But NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury is someone who would make fans take notice.

John Middleton is currently parked no other place than Harper's home town of Las Vegas:

Salisbury followed that up by stating that a deal would not occur last night, but that the two sides were talking. As we noted before, Phillies general manager

Matt Klentak was taking the sensible approach to deals, even though Middleton made the infamous comment that the Phillies would spend big and "maybe be a little stupid about it". Middleton writes the checks and his presence could indicate he is willing to exceed the valuation of Harper that Klentak and president

Andy MacPhail have on Harper.

Noting Salisbury's report, Bob Nightengale of USA Today still believes a Harper-Phillies marriage will happen:

However, Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports notes there could still be a "mystery team" in the mix and won't rule out father of Nationals president Mark Lerner, Ted Lerner, writing a large check and keeping Harper.

Middleton's trip seems to indicate something is brewing. Stay tuned.