Nationals recall Bryce Harper

[Scrap Irony]

In 2003, a 20 yo Miguel Cabrera was "rushed" to the Marlins, who only went on to be World Champs that year.
He turned out Ok. (As a player, that is).

Miggy is who I see when I look at Harper. Only in CF with plus defensive chops. (Possibly.)

I'd have LOVED to have seen that behind the plate, but que sera.

[Scrap Irony]

I think that they're of the mindset, we don't care when he's a free agent, we're locking him up no matter the cost anyways. He's never leaving town. If they have that mindset they don't care when his clock starts. That's at least what I think they're thinking.

And, if that's the case, they made the right call.

(Personally, I feel there's no way he doesn't become a Dodger, Red Sox, or Yankee player by age 26. All three of those teams would shell out massive amounts of cash for a player of that caliber. Historically, that's how it's done.)

[LvJ]

My new favorite non-Red. Hustle, hustle.

Also, this throw: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=21004035

[757690]

My new favorite non-Red. Hustle, hustle.

Also, this throw: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=21004035

His two heroes are Charlie Hustle and Mantle. His number, 34, is a tribute to both. It ends in 4, like Rose's 14, and the numbers add up to 7, Mantle's number.

[Ghosts of 1990]

And, if that's the case, they made the right call.

(Personally, I feel there's no way he doesn't become a Dodger, Red Sox, or Yankee player by age 26. All three of those teams would shell out massive amounts of cash for a player of that caliber. Historically, that's how it's done.)

One way it could be avoided I think would be if the Nationals are willing to offer a 10 year, $225 million deal when Harper is 22 or 23, years before he hits free agency. Thats how Washington can keep him from ever hitting the FA market. Shift the risk from the player to the organization. Otherwise you're right, the huge markets will prey on him.

[757690]

I'm guessing he goes all A-Rod, focusing on getting a record breaking, precident setting contract, and doesn't care who gives it to him.

[dougdirt]

One way it could be avoided I think would be if the Nationals are willing to offer a 10 year, $225 million deal when Harper is 22 or 23, years before he hits free agency. Thats how Washington can keep him from ever hitting the FA market. Shift the risk from the player to the organization. Otherwise you're right, the huge markets will prey on him.

I think Washington is a pretty huge market isn't it? Can someone tell me if I am right or wrong here?

[fearofpopvol1]

There is a difference in being cocky and being a jerk too.

The 2 can definitely go hand in hand.

From everything I've seen, and it's somewhat limited, Harper does seem a bit arrogant and immature. I think we typically expect more out of baseball players because the culture is different. It seems like Harper could use some humbling.

Homer Bailey was once immature as well (albeit for different reasons) and he's come around rather nicely, so I think there's time for Harper to mature.

[Tom Servo]

Harper just needs to make sure no lefty specialists sit on him at home plate.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I think Washington is a pretty huge market isn't it? Can someone tell me if I am right or wrong here?

You're right. Top-10 media market. It's no New York, LA or Chicago, but it's plenty big.

From a baseball standpoint, you do have the Orioles right up the road and a lot of DC fans grew up rooting for the O's. So, that does reduce the volume of their fan base. However, yes, still a very big market.

[VottoFan54]

Jayson Stark twitter:

Attendance for Bryce Harper's home debut: 22,675. Attendance for Stephen Strasburg's home debut on 6/8/10: 40,315

There are a number of factors involved in a game's attendance other than just the players involved, but the Nats have to be pretty disappointed in the attendance for Harper's debut.

[757690]

Jayson Stark twitter:



There are a number of factors involved in a game's attendance other than just the players involved, but the Nats have to be pretty disappointed in the attendance for Harper's debut.

Dodger's sold out his debut in LA. So there definitely is some interest in this guy.

[Brutus]

I seem to recall the Nationals building up Strasburg's debut for a couple of weeks, yes? Harper got called up somewhat abruptly and the Nationals didn't have time to market his arrival.

I don't think it's possible to truly compare the two for that reason as much as any.

[cumberlandreds]

I seem to recall the Nationals building up Strasburg's debut for a couple of weeks, yes? Harper got called up somewhat abruptly and the Nationals didn't have time to market his arrival.

I don't think it's possible to truly compare the two for that reason as much as any.

Yes there was a big buildup for Strasburgs debut. Not two weeks but a few days. It surprised me the way they brought up Harper. I thought they would wait until they were home. Its a little more special if its his MLB debut as opposed to his home debut.

[dougdirt]

Cole Hamels made his MLB debut in Cincinnati. HE dominated us for 5 innings. I almost wish they would have started him at home than here..... but I did pick up about 5 extra ticket stubs from the game from other fans and sold them for $15-20 a pop on ebay that week....