Harper joins Phillies, speaks to fans about crowns

Bryce Harper sounded like a typical Philadelphian talking about a goal every fan will endorse.

“I want to be on Broad Street on a ... boat or bus or whatever it is and hold a [World Series] trophy over my head,” the six-time AllStar said after putting on his No. 3 jersey.

The Phillies are counting on Harper to help them win only the third championship in franchise history. Philadelphia gave Harper a 13-year contract, the largest deal in baseball history at $330 million.

His arrival has fans scurrying to the box office. The team said 180,000 tickets were sold in less than two days after the agreement was reported.

“He’s a magnetic personality and he plays the game with his heart on his sleeve and Philadelphia loves that,” owner John Middleton said. “They love people who leave a little skin on the grass.”

Padres

Manny Machado’s debut in a Padres uniform in Peoria, Ariz. was a lot less eventful than his free agency. The 26-year-old Machado popped out in his first at-bat, drew a walk in his second and then came out after three innings at third base. “Finally. Finally got to play some baseball,” Machado said.

Astros

After spending his entire career with Cleveland, Michael Brantley likened joining Houston to going to a new high school. “One of the best things about this locker room is when I came in, everybody was willing to help and make me feel comfortable and talk,” he said.