Bryce Harper is a future All-Star. Just look at the numbers. No way the Nationals pass on this talent.
Bryce Harper is a jerk. Just listen to the anonymous scouts who have followed him around. Buyer beware, Nats.
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Does it matter? Baseball is full of jerks who post big numbers and lead their teams deep into the postseason — Albert Belle and Barry Bonds, for starters.
Baseball Prospectus quoted one anonymous front office guy, who said of Harper, “He’s just a bad, bad guy. He’s basically the anti-Joe Mauer.” One scout said that Harper’s character makeup is among the worst he had ever seen for amateur players, listing arrogance, entitlement and taunting among his flaws.
OK, then. As long as the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Harper hits, nobody will care whether he’s a jerk. And his work ethic and desire aren’t questioned.
He’s a 17-year old catcher hitting .410 with 21 homers and 59 RBI in 156 at-bats for the College of Southern Nevada, which plays in the best junior college league in the country. He’s slugging .917, which is nearly better than the next two best hitters combined.
He’ll give the Nats no choice when it comes to the No. 1 overall pick.
Former Nats general manager Jim Bowden — put aside your feelings on him for a moment — tweeted, “Bryce Harper has the most power of any 17 yr old since … I say A-rod.”
Bowden later tweeted, “Some are trying to trash his make up to get him past Washington. Not going to happen.”
