The Nationals Enquirer looks a short way into the future to see the end of the Bryce Harper negotiations:

Given all of the above, we’re thinking a deal gets done well before the deadline. Let’s say by 9 p.m., with a few hours to spare, both Scott Boras and Bryce Harper will be singing the praises of The Washington Nationals, Stan Kasten will be smiling but fuming over the $11 million of Ted Lerner’s money Boras squeezed out of Mike Rizzo, and Ryan Zimmerman will actually refer to Bryce Harper by name, instead of as “this guy”.

The best deal for each side comes at the last minute. Harper left high school early for this moment. He’s not going to pass it up. The earlier you make your millions, the more time it has to accrue interest.