By Chris Douthat
When it comes to Top Prospect lists, many people tune out after the first couple of names. Some are simply interested in the top players while others only want to find where their respected team's players rank on these lists.
Afterwards, I'll provide updates on the players throughout the season while also casting some light on others making some noise in their respected leagues. There are six divisions in minor league ball (AAA, AA, A+, A, A-, Rookie) so luckily I'll have my hands full.
Bryce Harper is simply put, a freak of nature. Having managed to overshadow fellow top-pick and teammate Stephen Strasburg as the most exciting prospect in all of baseball, Harper is slated to start the year in Class-A Hagerstown. As a 17 year old, an age where most kids are either starting or finishing their senior year of high school, Harper was absolutely demolishing the ball for the College of Southern Nevada. Hitting 31 home runs, 98 RBI, with a .443 batting average, Harper was named the 2010 Golden Spikes Award recipient, joining the likes of current established players such as Buster Posey, David Price, and Tim Lincecum.
When it comes to Top Prospect lists, many people tune out after the first couple of names. Some are simply interested in the top players while others only want to find where their respected team's players rank on these lists.
I completely understand, in fact, I use to be one of those people. So in order to save you from some information overload, I've decided to only do a Top 10 list. Each day I'll highlight a different prospect, starting with my top rated prospect and finishing with Number 10.
Afterwards, I'll provide updates on the players throughout the season while also casting some light on others making some noise in their respected leagues. There are six divisions in minor league ball (AAA, AA, A+, A, A-, Rookie) so luckily I'll have my hands full.
Without further adieu, lets start this list...
#1 Bryce Harper (OF)
Bryce Harper is simply put, a freak of nature. Having managed to overshadow fellow top-pick and teammate Stephen Strasburg as the most exciting prospect in all of baseball, Harper is slated to start the year in Class-A Hagerstown. As a 17 year old, an age where most kids are either starting or finishing their senior year of high school, Harper was absolutely demolishing the ball for the College of Southern Nevada. Hitting 31 home runs, 98 RBI, with a .443 batting average, Harper was named the 2010 Golden Spikes Award recipient, joining the likes of current established players such as Buster Posey, David Price, and Tim Lincecum.
Following a strong showing in the Florida Instructional League where he hit .319 with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, and 12 RBI, Harper was sent to the Arizona Fall League. Playing with some of the game’s most promising up-and-coming players, Harper again performed like the top draft pick that he is, finishing the season with a .343 batting average, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, and 7 RBI in 35 at-bats.
In terms of potential, the sky’s the limit with this kid. If Harper is able to produce in the Major Leagues like he did in college, Washington very well could become a force to be reckoned with, considering they also have two great young pitchers in Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman. Though still very young, Harper isn’t as far from the Majors as you might think. Growing pains aside, if Harper puts up big numbers, a 2012 September call-up seems very possible, with 2013 as a likely date for his permanent arrival.
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