Mike Rizzo congratulates Bryce Harper over winning Rookie of the Year Award - MLB Update
General Manager for Washington Nationals, Mike Rizzo pays tribute to Bryce Harper after he wins Rookie of the year Award from National League.
In a formal statement, he acknowledged the role that Harper played for the team during 2012 regular season.
Rizzo pointed out the events under which Harper made his debut.
Harper kicked off his Major League expedition at a time when the most established batters of the team were injured.
Both, Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Morse were not available in the line-up, which meant that the Nationals were without the services of the core of their offence.
As Mike explained, under such circumstances, consistent shows coming off from the rookie outfielder helped the Nationals immensely.
Harper struck hits on a regular basis and provided the offence the much needed force. Above all, his speed while running through the bases allowed the rest of the hitters to accumulate RBIs.
He, along with Jayson Werth, prepared groundwork for scoring a great number of runs on the scoreboard.
As Werth acted as a leadoff hitter late in the last season, Harper was placed near to him in the line-up. That made it possible for these two players to use their brilliant speed as weapon to load the bases at the start of the innings.
Resultantly, batters in the middle of the line-up amassed RBIs.
Rizzo has recognised contributions of Harper for Washington in terms of taking the team into the playoffs this year.
"Upon joining us, Bryce’s impact on our lineup and defensive alignment was immediate and came at a great time of need," said Mike Rizzo. "His sustained energy and enthusiasm throughout the summer played a big part in fueling our division title. On behalf
of the Lerner Family and the Nationals organization, I’d like to congratulate Bryce on his historic NL Rookie of the Year season."
Apart from terrific shows during the regular season, Harper stood out in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
He struck a home-run and a triple, providing his team momentum in the beginning of the game.
Harper will be jubilant after being named Rookie of the Year.
It will be fascinating to see him playing in the upcoming seasons and trying to live up to his reputation.
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