No other club in the majors has the financial flexibility to make multiple major splashes like the Phillies. Megastars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain targets, plus the club still is on the prowl for a left-handed starter and a top arm to put in the back of the bullpen.
Here are three things that could potentially happen this week in Las Vegas.
Thing #1: The Phillies may not leave Sin City with a superstar on their roster, but this is their chance to make serious inroads so that it happens sooner rather than later. Ownership has made it clear they are willing to spend whatever it takes and that may be a figure in the $350-million neighborhood to land Harper. How sweet would it be to see him put on the red pinstripes in his home city of Las Vegas?
Thing #2: The Phillies are looking at potential lefties to bolster their starting rotation and J.A. Happ appears to be high on their list. The 36-year-old was drafted by the Phillies in 2004 and has gone on to piece together a rather decent career. Robbie Ray is another name that has come up in various reports as it appears the Diamondbacks are looking to deal the 27-year-old. In 24 starts last season he finished 6-2 with a 3.93 ERA.
Thing #3: The Phillies have added to their bullpen over the past week, but it's no secret the club wants to add another arm with experience for late inning situations. Andrew Miller continues to be the name most talked about in connection with the Phillies, though this piece could also come via a trade.
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