Bryce Harper might be at Petco Park on March 28. He might be standing along one edge of the field, hair immaculately coiffed, national anthem nearing conclusion, fighter jets zooming overhead on a picturesque San Diego afternoon.



It is a tantalizing image. Depending on your vantage point, of course.



That’s because Harper might be standing along the third-base line. He might be outfitted in gray, orange and black. Opening Day could be a nightmare-turned-reality for Padres fans, rendered in San Francisco Giants colors.



Yet, on the eve of 2019’s first report date, the picture of a curious offseason remains far from complete. So much has been discussed or rumored. So little has come to fruition. Set aside, for a moment, Harper and Manny Machado, the still-available prizes of the winter. The Padres need a third baseman, a starting pitcher, maybe a second starting pitcher, anything other than the wavering promise of prospects.



In that respect,...