Not Another Bryce Harper Post...

Bryce Harper has generated more hype than a 17-year-old probably should. The CC of Southern Nevada freshman is not a slam-dunk, can't-miss prospect, and there is too much hyperbole surrounding him. With that said, I am encouraged by the results over Harper's first 20 games and would have no qualms taking him 1-1 if the draft were today. He is not flawless or a finished product, but Harper's natural tools are simply too loud to pass up at this point.

In a wood-bat conference, the 6-3, 205-pound Harper is hitting .408/.500/.831 through 71 at-bats. He has blasted 6 home runs and drawn 14 walks, making him the team leader in each of those categories. His pure strength and bat speed give him off-the-charts power, and Harper has showed it is usable in-game power. The biggest question offensively centers on the exaggerated hitch in Harper's load. He has whiffed 17 times this year and may not be an above-average contact hitter long-term. Scouts and fans should remind themselves Harper is only 17, though. He is a fierce gamer and has the intense drive to keep getting better. He seems to have toned down and quieted his stroke recently as well.

Harper has played catcher, third base, and the outfield this season, and it remains to be seen where he will end up. Along with his cannon arm, Harper has enough athleticism to stick at one of those positions. He projects to be an impact offensive player at any one of those spots. One can make the argument for a Jameson Taillon or a Deck McGuire, but personally I would line Harper up at #1 on the draft board at this point. He is not faultless or a sure bet, but I can't help but come away impressed at Bryce Harper's performance with a wood bat and against older competition this season.