The Nationals recent hot streak had them flirting with .300. It likely won’t harm their pursuit of something else: next year’s No. 1 pick in the baseball draft.
And, like this year’s selection Stephen Strasburg, they could end up with another once-a-decade player.
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Bryce Harper even took an unusual step recently to increase his chances of becoming the top overall pick next year. He’s earning his GED this summer and will then play at the College of Southern Nevada.
So he’ll be eligible for the June 2010 draft. Barring an unlikely extended run of success, the Nats will be in line to select him.
Did we mention that he once hit a homer that traveled 570 feet? And did we mention he was a freshman? Did we also mention his likely agent is Scott Boras, same as Strasburg?
According to Sports Illustrated, scouts have compared Harper to other No. 1 picks: Justin Upton, Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. But they said Harper might be even more advanced.
The Nats drafted his older brother, Bryan, in the 31st round in 2008. But he went to play at Cal State-Northridge instead. And then the Nats might get the Harper that could help turn around the franchise.
If they do, they’d land a developed 6-foot-3 catcher with a powerful arm and violent swing. And grand expectations.
“Be in the Hall of Fame, definitely,” he told SI about his goals. “Play in Yankee Stadium. Play in the pinstripes. Be considered the greatest baseball player who ever lived. I can’t wait.”
