We know what we know.

It’s what we don’t that’s even more troubling.

This much isn’t hard to surmise around the Phillies as spring training begins: Bryce Harper is still upset at Dave Dombrowski for his end-of-season comments, calling them “wild” multiple times during Sunday’s media availability in Clearwater and again on an appearance with Bussin’ With the Boys.

What’s trickier to deduce, and of far more long-term importance? Harper’s trust level of the franchise, ownership, front office and direction of everything to do with the Phillies.

Anger dissipates. Frustration dies down. But broken trust often can’t be repaired.

And I keep thinking back to how Harper answered a few questions the other day and can’t help but wonder if he’s lost trust in the Phillies.

Here’s Harper’s full back-and-forth from Sunday.

I encourage you to listen how he talks about the four spot in the order, the impact it makes, and how that part of the order (hitting directly behind him) didn’t produce last year. He sounds unsure if he’ll actually see more pitches this season.

When the subject shifted to the young guys in camp (specifically Andrew Painter) there was a tone of “we’ll see, he has to show us now” from Harper. That, in a vacuum, is understandable. I feel the same way. The Phillies are counting on the 22-year-old. We’ll see if he’s ready.

But think back to how Harper used to talk about Phillies moves, and young players on their way. He was hopeful. He had faith. He spoke in a tone that made you think he was on board with the plan and future.

Maybe it was me, but I didn’t hear that the other day. I heard a player who’s doubting his trust in this entire operation.

Let’s talk about the young guys in camp.

I dove into John Middleton’s potential thinking about all this on WIP Daily.

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