SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants play in Major League Baseball's worst ballpark for left-handed power hitters. They have lost 187 games the past two seasons. With their future payroll commitments and poor farm system, there is a very real chance that they are two or three years away from being back in position to play postseason baseball.
There are a lot of reasons why the Giants are a poor fit for one of the best outfielders to ever hit free agency, but team officials believe there also are real reasons why Bryce Harper will consider settling down at AT&T Park.
Put the money aside for a moment. This organization has the wherewithal to make an appropriate offer to Harper, but that's not what the Giants will hang their hopes one. This is about something else.
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Bryce Harper likes San Francisco.
That's the belief of team employees who have whispered his name over the past two years and hope he's the star of an offseason reload. A lot will go into Harper's decision, but at a basic level, the Giants know the Las Vegas native likes San Francisco and has enjoyed his time at AT&T Park, and that'll get them in the conversation for his services, at the very least.
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You don't need to listen to them, though. Just look at Harper's social media history ...
We were just so excited to be on the trolley this morning in beautiful San Francisco! "Ahhhhh… https://t.co/DN1r6SIxpD— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) July 29, 2016
Congrats to the Giants on winning the World Series! Much deserved to a great group of guys! #NLpride— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) October 29, 2012
Love this place! #SF #WestCoast pic.twitter.com/8LYwNH6jI2— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) October 6, 2014
Took this today..what a place! #SF pic.twitter.com/YTTbRuexkz— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) October 7, 2014
To the fans and organization of the SF Giants congrats and well deserved..classy and unbelievable group of people! #NLDS— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) October 8, 2014
San Fran is one of my favorite places to play! Such an incredible ballpark and fan base! Ready to play there again! #baseball #blessed— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) May 20, 2013
