The next Matt Wieters?

Ok, I hate that we nationally freak out over HS kids and put an insane amount of pressure on them, but I had to post something on this kid in case anyone here hasn't heard of him. His name is Bryce Harper. He's 16 y/o, 6'3", 205lbs. He's hit a 570 ft home run (with a metal bat off of a BP pitcher, but still) and throws 96 mph when he pitches. He's a catcher. Think he may be going #1 soon?

Just think, Wieters in B'more, this kid potentially a Natinal. Could be fun.

BTW, he dreams of wearing the pinstripes, so I hate him.

over 2 years ago daveh873 7 comments 0 recs |

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That kid is on the cover of SI

My downstairs neighbor subscribes and I always thumb through it when I’m bringing in the mail.

I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry

by Stacey on Jun 4, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions

His HS numbers are a result of being more physically mature than everyone else

And although the raw power/tools are awesome, he has to put everything together just like everyone else.

I don’t have to list toolsy prospects who have fallen apart; this kid is no different than any other talented youngster.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jun 4, 2009 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

Sheer physical talent can go a long way in high school

I coached a kid in HS that never wrestled until halfway through his sophomore year, and he was a state champion 26 months later. The kid was a specimen.

But when you sign that pro contract (or even go to a good D-1 school) and you’re not the fastest or strongest at practice anymore, THEN what do you have?

Here’s hoping for the best for the kid, though.

"I don't have a hit-and-run sign, and I believe it's the worst play in baseball." - Earl Weaver

by duck on Jun 4, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Right

Which is why a HS player’s line in baseball isn’t of utmost importance. Contact is important, but a potential ML leadoff man can slug .600 in high school easily.

What is impressive about this kid is obviously that he has major league tools (96 mph throws and 500+ foot bombs) at a little league age.

Billy Rowell was very similar though, and this kid Harper is still just a five tool player who will need to put everything together against higher levels of competition.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jun 5, 2009 3:52 AM EDT up reply actions

SI

Don’t they have somebody better to put on the cover than a 16 year old. They have Kobe and Howard in the NBA finals, Crosby in the NHL finals, and an uber prospect in the MLB draft who is far closer to dominating the major league level than this kid.

This kid may have the ability to be great, but he has so much to learn and all this national attention at age 16 cant be healthy. This is why I quit paying attention to SI a long time ago.

"I have seen the future and his name is Matt Wieters." Keith Law

by Reddrummer9187 on Jun 5, 2009 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

They're still feeling the blowback from "jinxing" LeBron

They figured that if this kid bites it in the next week or two, there will be far less angry fans storming the SI castle.

"The United States is the New York Yankees of countries...powerful and respected until the year 2000." - Homer J. Simpson

by Brotz13 on Jun 5, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

This is a great point

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jun 5, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions