At age 17, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado shared a bunk bed at a dorm in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Teammates then on the USA 18U national team, this week they are opponents fighting for the same prize: a spot in the World Series.
In the 13 years in between, Harper and Machado have moved in near lockstep building prolific, Cooperstown-tracking careers. Each was drafted in 2010 with one of the first three picks. Each reached the big leagues at such a young age they had to grow out of their immaturity in front of cameras and critics. Each reached free agency at the same time. Each signed for $300 million or more with a losing team trying to end a championship drought. Each chose a city on the opposite coast of their home.
Each is the center of gravity for their franchise.
