Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
In case you didn't notice, the 2010 MLB Draft begins on Monday June 7th. Don't worry, this will not be an article that delves into the entire first round. No, I am concentrating on the consensus overall top pick, Bryce Harper.
By all accounts, Harper has the tools to be a very good, potentially great hitter in the big leagues. To be quite honest, I'm not even writing this blog about how good he will be, but I'll quickly tell you. If I wasn't a betting man, I'd put my money on him being the next Todd Van Poppel or Brien Tayler. Obviously the offensive version as both of the aforementioned players were pitchers. So, the title to this blog is misleading on purpose.
Despite the obvious tools that make him a "safe" pick # 1 overall, if I was a GM of a major league team, I would pass and let him be someone else's problem. Based on everything I've heard, and read, Bryce Harper seems to be extremely full of himself. We are talking about the kid who dropped out of high school, got his GED and went to Community College so he would be draft eligible a year early. Unfortunately for the Washington Nationals, the 17 year old will be even more expensive than last years #1 pick Stephen Strasburg. The major problem with that is he is at least 3 years away from even breaking into the big leagues, much less making an impact.
His natural position as catcher, but recently Harper's "advisor", yeah right, Scott Boras has indicated a move from behind the plate would benefit him more. I haven't seen enough of him in the field to know if he can play other positions. The Nationals could always start behind the plate while in the minors, and do what the Giants are doing with Buster Posey until they think he can handle a major league staff. Either way, it's going to be a situation many baseball fans, and experts, will be watching closely.
Like I said, I'd rather take another player, but this is a draft that is somewhat light on bats. I just have a hard time gambling on a kid that could turn out to be an overrated, arrogant punk who can't really hit at the major league level. Then again, there's a reason why I'm writing this blog instead of making draft choices. I guess only time will tell
Can u say Joe Mauer? This kid appears to be legit, a more hyped catcher than mauer. If he wasn't so cocky, I bet u take him # 1 no questions asked. MLB is humbling, I bet he'll get knocked down to size. I take him # 1, no question about it anyway!
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