Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper looking to impress for Opening Day roster spot – MLB News
Washington Nationals’ Minor Leaguer Bryce Harper is looking to impress with his performance as he tried to get a spot in Opening Day roster.
Harper is working hard and going all out to try and impress the management showing that he is worthy of a spot on final roster for the regular season. He has an uphill task, as many experts and some in the management feel that Harper still needs some refinement
in his game and that he should be in the Minor Leagues during the 2011 season.
"I want to make that decision harder," Harper said. "I'm trying to stay up here as long as I can. [Outfielder Jayson] Werth and several of the guys came up to me and asked, 'Are you going to make the team or what?' I'm trying to make this club. ... If it
doesn't happen, it's going to be a great experience being up here with all the veteran guys."
Even the Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo thinks that it may be best for Harper to be in the Minor Leagues as he is only 18-years-old and can pick some valuable playing experience there. However, Harper is doing everything he can to impress the management
and get on the final roster for the regular season.
As Spring Training will allow the Nationals to finalise their rotations and line-ups, they will also be looking at Harper and his performance during the session. Harper has been putting in good performances and his efforts may just pay off for him.
Although he is still young, Harper is an extremely talented player capable of great things. However, the decision to put him on the final roster for the regular season is a serious one that can create issues later down the line. If he is selected and does
not perform at the highest level, it could effectively ruin his young career. However, if Harper is put in the Minor Leagues, his talents could be wasted for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
These decisions will be left with the Nationals’ management as they are looking for a successful Spring Training and regular season. The Nationals are desperate to get into the playoffs this year and be at the level of some of the top teams in the League.
It will be interesting to see if the Nationals select Harper for the final roster or put him the Minor Leagues for 2011. Whatever the case, the team will be focusing on having a good Spring Training session and build some confidence that can be carried into
the regular season. It looks like only time will tell the fate of Harper as the regular season is fast approaching.
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