Davey Johnson helped Bryce Harper during his 2012 Major League season expedition-MLB Update
Washington Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson is one of the reasons why Bryce Harper could play through the 2012 season uninterrupted. Though Harper did not appear on the Opening Day roster, Johnson did try to put him there.
Harper can be grateful to Johnson for being so patience with him throughout the season.
As rookies are vulnerable to losing temperament, Johnson knew this fact. He managed Harper in a way he started producing quality shows at the plate as soon as he marked his Major League debut.
The words of encouragement from the part of Johnson have been extremely helpful for Harper.
For example, when Harper struggled in the second half of the season against left-handed pitchers, Johnson walked up to him and explained the reasons why he was failing.
Instead of sending him to the Minor League owing to the continuation of a poor run of form for a number of games, Johnson trusted his abilities. Johnson kept Harper in the line-up and provided him a reasonable number of at-bats.
Very smoothly, Johnson helped Harper out of his slump. Eventually, Harper rewarded the faith of the manager. He started hitting home runs and contributing toward wins of the team.
Harper stood out in the most important match of the Nationals, which was played against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Game 5 of the National League Division Series.
The home run and the triple that he struck was about to lead Washington to a stunning victory before their relief pitcher ruined the chances.
Johnson believes the decline that Harper went through in the last season for some matches is experienced by almost every player who is at the beginning of his career.
"I think the first month he was here he was hitting like .400 off [left-handers]," Davey Johnson said. "He's getting a little anxious. He's pushing himself to do great things like all young players, not staying within himself. Trying to crush the ball. You
do that, you go from being a good hitter to then being a little more of a swinger.”
Harper can feel lucky to have Johnson manage him for another season. He will be looking to build on what he has achieved so far and win laurels during the 2013 season.
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