Wire Taps: Phillies introducing Bryce Harper today; Victor Robles has big day for Nationals + more Nats links...

Any day now there will be more Nationals news to link than there is Bryce Harper-related Nationals news, but today is not that day. There were a few non-Harper links out there, if you looked hard, but not many, so stop here if you’ve had enough talk about the Phillies’ new outfielder, who’s being introduced by his new team today at 2:00 PM in Clearwater, Florida...

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Adam Eaton's path to playing time is finally wide open - (MASN)
"Even if Eaton never talked publicly about how the Harper-controlled dominoes might affect him, he knew there was a chance he might be playing elsewhere if Harper re-signed."

Anthony Rendon has leverage Bryce Harper never had with the Nationals - (WaPost)
"But one thing is certain. Getting Rendon, who is in his walk year, extended deep into the next decade is the Nats’ Job 1, 2 and 3."

Strasburg pleased with mechanical focus in first spring outing - (MASN)
"What was Strasburg happiest about? His mechanics, which produced radar gun readings that were consistently in the 92-93 mph range during his two-inning stint."

BRYCE HARPER BEAT:

Bryce Harper has Phillies thinking October baseball - (Washington Times)
"Bryce Harper has the Philadelphia Phillies thinking October baseball before even arriving in camp."

Nats will be just fine without Bryce Harper - (MASN)
"If there are boos, Harper will let it wash off like he has every other time he has been greeted with a negative reaction in an opponent’s park."

Clubhouse reaction to Harper signing with Phillies - (MASN)
"Few seemed surprised at the length or amount of the deal - or even the lack of opt-outs included in it. Harper will take is physical at the Phillies spring complex in Clearwater, Fla., today and is to be introduced at a press conference tomorrow."

Nationals had moved on from Bryce Harper possibilities. But now they really can - (WaPost)
"Harper is with the Phillies now, ending months of negotiations and breathless discussion, and the Nationals are the same as they were before the deal became public Thursday."

Jayson Werth knows Philadelphia, and he knows Bryce Harper. He thinks they’re a match - (WaPost)
"Harper’s ascension helped the Nationals win four division titles during Werth’s seven seasons in Washington. But seeing Harper leave one former team for another left the retired outfielder with no stinging emotions."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Bryce Harper's Record-Setting Contract Gives Him A Chance To Change Baseball - (Forbes)
"Bryce Harper might have changed free agency. It’s true he could have combatted the new trends that are angering his brethren."

Why Bryce Harper chose to sign with the Phillies - (SI.com)
"The Philadelphia Phillies’ last best chance to woo Bryce Harper took place amid the high-backed gold leather booths and white linens of Carbone, a restaurant in the ARIA resort and casino in Las Vegas that imbues the feel and fragrance of mid-century Hollywood."

Nationals' Robles takes center stage - (MiLB.com)
"One day after news broke that the All-Star was headed to the Phillies, Victor Robles showed why the future of the Nationals outfield might still be quite bright."

NL EAST UPDATES:

‘Hands full in this National League East:’ Braves react to Bryce Harper signing - (AJC.com)
"The ripples of the massive Bryce Harper signing washed gently over the pillars of the Braves on Friday."

Bryce Harper reactions: ESPN’s Michael Wilbon predicts boos, Angelo Cataldi’s flip-flop - (Philly.com)
"As you can imagine, there are a lot of opinions about Bryce Harper’s historic 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies."

Miami Marlins’ Brian Anderson building off rookie season - (Miami Herald)
"If you want an almost prototypical example of what the Miami Marlins are looking for as they continue their rebuild, look no further than their top rookie from a year ago."

Jacob deGrom approval may help Devin Mesoraco stick with Mets - (NY Post)
"Friends in high places can help when searching for a job."