Nationals’ GM says Bryce Harper could make the team out of spring training

[.infamous]

It’s no secret that Nationals manager Davey Johnson would like top prospect Bryce Harper to make the team out of spring training as the starting right fielder. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has played things pretty coy until now, but his comments to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com yesterday indicate that he hasn’t dismissed the possibility.

“We’re take a look at him and see where he’s at developmentally. If we feel he’s ready to play at the major-league level, we’re not going to restrict him,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said by phone. “We’ll be cautious yet open-minded. If he gives us the best chance to win, we’ll keep an open mind and see where it takes us.”

This idea continues to gain momentum, but unless Harper absolutely tears the cover off the ball during spring training and gives the Nationals no other choice, I still see it as unlikely. Harper batted .256/.329/.395 with a .724 OPS over 147 plate appearances after being promoted to Double-A Harrisburg last season and while that’s pretty darn impressive for an 18-year-old, some more at-bats in the minor leagues might not be the worst thing for his development.

Of course, the most significant reason to keep Harper in the minors to begin the year would be to delay his service time so that he doesn’t qualify as a Super Two player down the road. With that in mind, chances are we’ll see him when some of the game’s other top prospects make their way to the majors in late-May or June.

 

[Teagz]

I wonder if they would ask Werth to move or have Bryce play Left.

 

[Elite]

I think it would be Morse in LF, Werth in CF, and Bryce in RF.

 

[.infamous]

I wonder if they would ask Werth to move or have Bryce play Left.

Im pretty sure the Nats said that Werth is going to be in Center and Bryce in right.

 

[Elite]

I think it would be Morse in LF, Werth in CF, and Bryce in RF.

Im pretty sure the Nats said that Werth is going to be in Center and Bryce in right.

 

[.infamous]

When i started typing mine you didn't post yours yet lol

 

[elcheato]

Why wouldn't Morse play first?

 

[Elite]

I think they're giving LaRoche a chance to keep it again. He was awful last year but he's been solid every other year of his career. He should rebound.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

I think he should get some more time at Double-A. Spring Training statistics can be a bit deceiving so I hope they don't make a decision based on that unless his numbers are through the roof.

 

[NCSportsfan21]

Way too rushed.

At least start him in AAA and see how he hits...

 

[Giantmetfan07]

he sucked at AA last year. AA is where he should start the year regardless of his Spring Training performance.