Washington Nationals manager thinks Bryce Harper will make Opening Day roster - MLB News
The Washington National current team manager Davey Johnson is showing great confidence for outfielder Bryce Harper as he will make the 2012 Major League Baseball Opening Day roster.
Johnson was speaking to a large crowd of media professionals on late Tuesday evening emphasising to general manger Mike Rizzo that he should remain positive for adding the 19-year-old slugger in the 40-man roster.
“But I think that the main thing is ... could he handle it mentally? And I think in his mind, he's already figuring to be starting on the club, if you ask him," Johnson said recently about Harper. "And I haven't talked to him, but I know that he's done everything in his whole life to succeed at a higher level and compete with the best. But I think [Harper is] pretty mature. I don't look at him age-wise, as I probably should."
Harper, a Las Vegas native, who was selected by the Nationals in 2012 MLB draft, is a talented player having some extraordinary hitting and fielding skills. The Nationals recognised his game on a larger scale and have given him a five year contract worth $9.9 million.
His game has recently reached another level after performing at .319 with a .407 OBP. He led his team in hits, homers, RBI and walks in the Nationals' fall instructional League with a big heart and earned great acknowledgment from many baseball experts.
Not only he performed well at the Nationals fall instructional league but he also played tremendously well later in the Arizona Fall League batting at .343 and .629 slugging.
With his recent good performances back-to-back in the Minor Leagues, Harper has certainly proved his game on a larger level. According to some critics, Harper has become a very good hitter and athlete in just a short span of time and will likely be playing in the next big event.
The entire Nationals' management is also very pleased with his recent performance where he has evolved as a good hitter as well as productive fielder. In the meanwhile, the next few weeks are critical when Harper’s inclusion in the roster will be determined by the top management.
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