Bryce Harper

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Wed Jun 02, 2010 6:20 am

I live in a not so po-dunk town in western Colorado. Annually, the city's largest event is hosting the Junior College World Series. 10 teams come from every state in the union (except California) and play for a week, much like Division one colleges in Omaha.

California has its own Junior College tournament.

The skills, of course, are not comparable to division one schools. Division one colleges snap up most pitchers that can throw 90 or more miles per hour, leaving junior colleges with their crumbs.

JUCO, as the locals call it, is a time to get together with friends and family and watch some baseball. Great players have come through, Kirby Puckett, the LaRoche Brothers, John Lackey to name a few. These players were all in the genesis of their abilities.

To date, the most noteable JUCO performer was Donnie Moore. Donnie Moore dominated JUCO in a way that no other pitcher has before or since.

Unfortunately, I am sure that most of you are familiar with what happened to Moore later in his baseball and real life.

This year, we are privileged to see the probable number one pick of the baseball draft in Bryce Harper. Harper is only 17. He comes from a 'wood bat league' where aluminum bats are prohibited. Probably a good thing for his career tract.

Harper's first game was Saturday, I expected to see a one man team, but he is surrounded by capable players. His team won handily, while he struggled by over swinging.

Locals asked me after the game what I thought of him. Five at bats is tough to judge a kid, but you can see the natural talent. His swing reminds me of one of the sweetest swings in baseball, JD Drew's.

He struggled his next game as well, though he did get a couple of hits. His brother, Bryan, three years his senior, pitched a one hitter.

Last night, is the reason I started this post. With his team down for the first time in the tournament, Harper came up with two men on and hit a line drive to right-center field that I thought would be a double in the alley. The ball defied gravity. The line drive never got higher than 12 feet and cleared the eight foot fence.

Color me impressed.

But what seperates him was coming next.

Watching in Colorado, in the thin air, we are used to seeing 'bombs'. Power hitting just isn't that big of a deal here. That said, Harper did something in his next at bat that I have never seen before. A left handed hitter, he hit a ball to dead left field that cleared the fence, and then bleachers easily.

Harper is an average sized kid. Where he hit the ball is reserved for right handed brutes. Never has a kid hit an opposite field home run that far or even close for that matter. My jaw can still be found on the stadium floor. A just 'WOW' moment.

He was a catcher for the first two games and played right field last night. He has also played third base during the year. My guess is that he becomes an outfielder as a major leaguer. He is a capable catcher, but not exceptional, and certainly, not a 'natural' catcher.

I'm impressed and look forward to seeing him the rest of the week.

June will be a helluva month for the Nats.

They'll be getting their initial big league start from Strasburg and drafting a kid with a big future in Harper.

With Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, Storen, and Desmond already in hand, the Nats have a chance to turn a franchise around, much like the Rays.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 3:53 am

Just a follow-up, in case anybody cares...

Last night was the showdown game of the tourney. The last of the unbeatens, Southern Nevada vs perennial power San Jacinto, Texas.

I'll spare the details of the game itself, San Jac won the game 10-8.

Harper seemed to have stepped on the first baseman's ankle on purpose, while beating out a double play ball in the first inning. The first baseman sprawled out in pain and when sufficiently recovered, he wanted a piece of Harper. He was restrained by teammates and play resumed shortly.

I was thinking in my day, being the pitcher, I would 'attempt' a pick off move and let my first baseman slap Harper very hard with a tag, it didn't happen.

In his next at bat, Harper took strike three. He straightened up from his crouch, stared at the home plate umpire and then drew a line in the dirt four or five inches off the plate. The umpire tossed him.

Boo's resonated around the ballpark. "HE is who we came to see!" "He's just a kid, c'mon!" "In another month, he'll have 10 million bucks, what'll you have!?"

Those were some of the comments that were heard. After hearing the last comment, I turned to my wife and answered for the umpire, "My dignity and comfort in knowing that I did the right thing"

JUCO rules prohibit him from playing in today's game.

Hopefully, he'll learn something from the experience.

It's tough to judge a 17 year old kid who has already been firmly placed on a pedestal.

Last night, Harper showed that while his physical prowess is miles ahead of his competition, his mental process is behind the curve.

[ June 03, 2010, 10:17 AM: Message edited by: DOUGHBOYS ]

LONG GONE · Post by **LONG GONE** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 11:50 am

Any thoughts on bat speed? After reviewing Harper on the internet, came away thinking this kids bat speed maybe one of the top 5 in baseball right now. Maybe very wrong because I was viewing it over the net.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 1:31 pm

Bat speed is incredible.

His swing should not be tampered with.

Contact rate will be a problem.

His overall speed is a little above average.

A good athlete, he can play any position on the field, except middle infield.

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 2:25 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

With Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, Storen, and Desmond already in hand, the Nats have a chance to turn a franchise around, much like the Rays. Dibble was killing him on the radio this morning- Got the feeling that he will not be going to the Nats. Boras is an obstacle as well.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 3:16 am

I'm pretty sure Harper still has the longest HR hit at Tropicana Field.

He was down here a few years ago and hit a shot that most MLB players could only dream of.....the dome kept it from traveling across the bay to Tampa.

From everything I've read, he's going to be a stud. He has the talent, drive and family support to allow him to excel. Crazy to think he could still be destroying high school pitching right now.

The Mighty Men · Post by **The Mighty Men** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 4:10 am

Originally posted by Dub:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

With Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, Storen, and Desmond already in hand, the Nats have a chance to turn a franchise around, much like the Rays. Dibble was killing him on the radio this morning- Got the feeling that he will not be going to the Nats. Boras is an obstacle as well. [/QUOTE]Why was Dibble killing him?

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 4:29 am

Originally posted by The Mighty Men:

quote:Originally posted by Dub:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

With Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, Storen, and Desmond already in hand, the Nats have a chance to turn a franchise around, much like the Rays. Dibble was killing him on the radio this morning- Got the feeling that he will not be going to the Nats. Boras is an obstacle as well. [/QUOTE]Why was Dibble killing him? [/QUOTE]Harper reminds Dibble of Doug Dascenzo

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 4:39 am

Originally posted by Navel Lint:

quote:Originally posted by The Mighty Men:

quote:Originally posted by Dub:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

With Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, Storen, and Desmond already in hand, the Nats have a chance to turn a franchise around, much like the Rays. Dibble was killing him on the radio this morning- Got the feeling that he will not be going to the Nats. Boras is an obstacle as well. [/QUOTE]Why was Dibble killing him? [/QUOTE]Harper reminds Dibble of Doug Dascenzo

[/QUOTE]Edit to remove previous post

[ June 04, 2010, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: Navel Lint ]

whipsaw · Post by **whipsaw** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:11 am

Is everyone here a BP premium subscriber? Do you think they would appreciate having their content reproduced for free on a competing (fanball) website?

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:14 am

Originally posted by The Mighty Men:

quote:Originally posted by Dub:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

With Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, Storen, and Desmond already in hand, the Nats have a chance to turn a franchise around, much like the Rays. Dibble was killing him on the radio this morning- Got the feeling that he will not be going to the Nats. Boras is an obstacle as well. [/QUOTE]Why was Dibble killing him? [/QUOTE]Attitude. Compared him to many bust hyped prospects- mentioned Dallas McPherson by name. Talked about the aluminum bat and basically said show me, etc etc.

By the way, Dibble also said Robby Alomar Jr is better than Ken Griffey Jr. on the same show- he might just have been smoking crack.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:15 am

geez- sounds like barry bonds. hope he lands with the sox. scouts- who cares about their opinion of "makeup".

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 8:22 am

Originally posted by whipsaw:

Is everyone here a BP premium subscriber? Do you think they would appreciate having their content reproduced for free on a competing (fanball) website? I'm not a subscriber.

It was freely linked from a web search.

I did credit them as the source, which is way more than some of the cut/paste things you see on the boards. But you have a point, and I will delete the previous post.

NorCalAtlFan · Post by **NorCalAtlFan** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 8:49 am

saw the replay dough. i think you might have exaggerated his reaction a bit.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 10:31 am

Originally posted by NorCalAtlFan:

saw the replay dough. i think you might have exaggerated his reaction a bit. What reaction is that?

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 11:05 am

I'm guessing you're referring to Harper's reaction after being called out on strikes. I just saw it on youtube, I'll stand by the description.

What really amazed me was how far that ball looked outside. I was sitting adjacent to 3rd base and had no clue as to inside/outside pitches. It seems Harper may have been correct on location. He needs to be taught how to get that point across to umpires though.

Spartacus · Post by **Spartacus** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 11:54 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I'm guessing you're referring to Harper's reaction after being called out on strikes. I just saw it on youtube, I'll stand by the description.

What really amazed me was how far that ball looked outside. I was sitting adjacent to 3rd base and had no clue as to inside/outside pitches. It seems Harper may have been correct on location. He needs to be taught how to get that point across to umpires though. Thanks for the scouting report Dan. Clearly this kid's going to be on the fast track to the 'Bigs'. We might even see a September call up written into his soon to be signed contract. The question I'm asking myself, based on your observations, is whether his behavior is that which you might expect from the maturity level of a typical 17 year old, and one who's apparently seen little adversity in his career climb, or do you sense character flaws? The difference is subtle, but could affect his ETA, speed of development, and where folks of our ilk should consider drafting him next year. Of course you can't know the answer to this based on one incident or your limited exposure, but I trust your instincts

. What's your take on this?

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 12:06 pm

ESPECIALLY if Harper remains a catcher, I would be SHOCKED to see him in the bigs before 2013.

Only surprised if he shifts positions.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 12:18 pm

I have a lot of doubts, Bob.

Even at 17, I think he is behind the curve. I talked with some local coaches who have had conversations with some folks and coaches in Henderson where he would be going to school now and they don't think much of the kid and were rather happy that he left high school.

The sense of entitlement is there and if you've ever been to a class reunion, most that have that thinking at 17, have it at 35.

I have not heard very good things about JD Drew's persona. If I had to choose a player to compare Harper to, it would be Drew. All the talent in the world, but something mentally will keep us from seeing that full potential. Just my opinion.

All that said, I still marvel over that home run.

Head shaking, really.

viper · Post by **viper** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 1:22 am

I wonder if he will show up at the Arizona fall Ball League like Strasburg did last fall. If he actually is there, it would be a great chance to see just how good he is. As a Northern Virginian going to 12 games a year, I hope he is somewhere near all the hype. One of the few promising Nats still in the minors is a catcher [many of their pitchers on the current roster should probably should be honing their skills at AAA but they are up due to a lack of good pitchers]. Harper is probably being tagged as the Nats RF of the future.

The biggest shocker in this area would be if the Nats picked someone else. Maturity is his primary fault. I'm sure we were not a whole hell of a lot more mature before our 18th birthday and none of us were on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The gap in talent is probably more this year between Harper and the #2 than last year when the skill/potential drop between Strasburg and Ackley. I recall that drop being thought of as being substantial. Imagine having to deal with Boras in back-to-back seasons.

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:40 am

I don't think we see Harper at the AFL this season.

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Mon Aug 16, 2010 1:30 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I have a lot of doubts, Bob.

Even at 17, I think he is behind the curve. I talked with some local coaches who have had conversations with some folks and coaches in Henderson where he would be going to school now and they don't think much of the kid and were rather happy that he left high school.

The sense of entitlement is there and if you've ever been to a class reunion, most that have that thinking at 17, have it at 35.

I have not heard very good things about JD Drew's persona. If I had to choose a player to compare Harper to, it would be Drew. All the talent in the world, but something mentally will keep us from seeing that full potential. Just my opinion.

He has until midnight to sign with the Nationals. Will he???

Sebadiah23 · Post by **Sebadiah23** » Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:24 pm

I heard that the position switch to outfield was decided months ago and Harper is fine with it.

-Craig

whipsaw · Post by **whipsaw** » Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:45 pm

signed at the deadline for $10m. it's a major league deal which eliminates any possibility he plays any time ever at catcher. he must be fine with the switch. what a steal for the Nats.