The Real Deal: Harper Hits Walk Off Homer For Hagerstown

Some guys are just born with it and Washington Nationals future phenom Bryce Harper is one of those guys. Harper, who was drafted first overall in last years draft, hit his first walk off homer run of his minor league career in a ten inning win over Greenville.

For Harper it was his 13th home run in his 52nd game in Single-A and he has shown everyone that he is exactly what we thought he was, doesn’t matter if Dennis Green was a football coach those references are always funny. Harper now has a line of 13 home runs, 41 RBI and 11 SB. After his 4-5 night against Greenville he sports a .346 average. I’ve been a fan of Harper for a long time now, way before he was drafted, and hitting a 2-run walk off HR against a Red Sox affiliate definitely makes me like him even more.

Now the question becomes when does Bryce Harper don the Nationals cap and jersey? Well it is safe to say he will get his chance in AA this season and possibly even AAA but considering where the Nationals will be come September call ups they may just allow Harper to finish up the season with whatever level he is with. Unless there is an unforeseen setback I fully expect a 19 year old Harper to see a good deal of playing time in MLB next season. By 2013 the Nationals should be able to get full seasons out of  both Harper and 2009 draft pick Stephen Strasburg, who is still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

In addition, plus the Nats will have the #6 selection in the upcoming 2011 draft and will continue to build up an exciting team. Get ready Maryland because with the young talent on the Nationals and Orioles you are looking at some fun baseball in the upcoming years!

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