In the first bit of possible news tonight, Jeff Fletcher of AOL tweets Harper, "will sign" at least according to his former college head coach Tom Chambers, who is now the head man at UNLV.
In the first bit of possible news tonight, Jeff Fletcher of AOL tweets Harper, "will sign" at least according to his former college head coach Tom Chambers, who is now the head man at UNLV.
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
Signed and reportedly for $10 Million.
Major league deal for a 17 year old. They'll get the extra option, but still.
"Reality tells us there are no guarantees. Except that some day Jon Lester will be on that list of 100-game winners." - Peter Gammons
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
Report is the Nationals are moving him from behind the plate to right field.
Is this because of the major league deal or that he doesn't project as a catcher? It would be a shame for everyone involved if it is soley because of the contract.
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
Yeah, I think moving him to the OF is the right call. He's a once-in-a-generation talent, and having him catch would probably shorten his career.
“The crows seem to be calling my name,” thought Caw.
The timetable and learning curve for catchers are vastly different than that of an outfielder.
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
He also wants to catch.
As far as "once in a lifetime talent" isn't some of that diminished by playing outfield?
I mean as far as everything I had read, he has a great bat, but it was the combination of great bat + he can legitimately be a top level defensive catcher that made him "once in a lifetime."
Except Bryce Harper could have chosen any Juco he wanted. I'm sure one of the reasons he went where he did was because he would be allowed to catch. I'm guessing Bryce still would rather catch than switch to OF, but the Nats are hedging their bet.
Less chance of injury means a better chance he will have 4 full years for his bat to develop. Less to learn defensively means he can focus on hitting. Like I said it is a shame if this major league deal ends up working against him.
I don't know where his mind is, but I suspect he is much less likely to make the majors as a catcher because of the major league deal.
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
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