Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper replaces Ryan Zimmerman - MLB News
Unexpectedly enough, Bryce Harper gets the call for the Major League. It is not however his amazing swings in Class AAA Syracuse that stimulates General Manager Mike Rizzo for the decision as shoulder inflammation of Ryan Zimmerman compels him.
The decision has inspired fascination among the baseball fans owing to a youthful flamboyance he has. Adding to their excitement is a hype experts have created after they have termed him as another great hitter in the making.
Speculations are rife regarding his effectiveness. Against the backdrop of limited at-bats he experienced in the Minor League, those have taken a new turn. The fact he has struggled against lefties makes him a risky replacement to go with.
Off-course he has immense talent that will one day will make him a star, but some experts believe it is too early to send him out.
Even if he turns out better, he will take his time before adding enough that the Nationals can benefit to their cause in the season from it.
GM Mike Rizzo, who otherwise wanted to give him more at-bats, stated it was a team decision.
“The decision is really a team decision,” Rizzo said. “It’s to support the major league club when we need an offensive player to play corner outfield. . . . This wasn’t the coming-out party for Bryce that we had in mind. This wasn’t the development plan
we had in mind.”
Manager Davey Johnson is extremely confident of his performance as a hitter in the line-up. Believing that he deserves the call on the back of great performances he put up in the Minor League farms, he expects huge contribution from him late in the innings.
“Yes,” Manager Davey Johnson said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s earned the right to have the opportunity. He fits what we’re looking for. A good player coming up to the big leagues is the way I look at it.”
Harper has a great opportunity to launch himself at such a big level. If he is able to strike few hits at a crucial juncture of the game, he can turn into a big hit overnight.
Although the pressure will be on him, he may also have freelance type feelings on the plate. After all the management has pledged for patience and will give him proper time even if he struggles in the beginning.
Regardless of how long he takes to adjust to an ambiance in the Major League, he is going to stir the fans across the baseball world. Harper on the other hand will be excited on the exposure at this level and therefore will be h**l-bent to stand out. It
will be exciting to see how Harper manages to make full use of this opportunity and put in a good performance to make an impact.
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