Bryce Harper

[wiggles]

Everytime Harper takes the field, I am sure he takes **** from all the opposing players. Everyone knows who he is and naturally a little jealousy manifested into razzing by opposing teams is what is going on here.

The kid is just 17, and reacting how a 17year old would. He will learn, especially when he is in the minors. The kid got "F- You "talent and he is just reminding them of that every opportunity he gets.

[BigBen2112]

Longoria went to Long Beach State....which is in the Big West Conference. That's the conference of Cal State-Fullerton and UC-Irvine, both of whom have made CWS appearances in recent memory. Some other noteable "Dirt Bags" include Bobby Crosby, Jason Giambi, Troy Tulowitzki, and Jered Weaver.

Where did Longoria start his college career?

[BigBen2112]

If he's a competitive hot head, I personally don't care. I like guys that are competitive and cocky. Cocky p[layers generally back it up even if they come across as *******s and who doesn't want someone that's competitive...

But the players that are pampered and spoiled are the ones that worry me. There's been SO many players in various sports that looked great and had hype and pampered and spoiled attitudes generally bury them...

Personality is a very important tool to evaluate. Very difficult one as well

I get what your sayin Kip. I just do not know that we can get a complete view of him (the kind that you're talking about) from a newspaper article or two.

It could be competitive drive...it could be permanent immaturity b/c of early fame. The truth of that will come out over time...even when scouts get to see him more etc.

Right now, though, the kid is ballin'

[PittFaninVa]

I get what your sayin Kip. I just do not know that we can get a complete view of him (the kind that you're talking about) from a newspaper article or two.

It could be competitive drive...it could be permanent immaturity b/c of early fame. The truth of that will come out over time...even when scouts get to see him more etc.

Right now, though, the kid is ballin'

Harper is playing in one of the top junior college baseball programs in the country. He's doing better than I thought.

[Jeremy]

Where did Longoria start his college career?

It doesn't matter. It's where he ended his career. He learned how to be a future pro in one of the best baseball programs on the West Coast. A program where nobody's impressed by you just because you have some talent. Harper is on a team where could probably manage and nobody would say boo.

I'm not against the kid, I just think people should stop blowing this off like it's nothing. Those antics are **** sure something, especially at the price he's going to command after he's drafted.

[BigBen2112]

It doesn't matter. It's where he ended his career. He learned how to be a future pro in one of the best baseball programs on the West Coast. A program where nobody's impressed by you just because you have some talent. Harper is on a team where could probably manage and nobody would say boo.

I'm not against the kid, I just think people should stop blowing this off like it's nothing. Those antics are **** sure something, especially at the price he's going to command after he's drafted.

How is the report about what he did any different than Manny Ramirez? Because Manny has proven his ability in the majors? Sure, I'll give you that, but it doesn't make the behavior any more "ok" or mature.

[BigBen2112]

Harper is playing in one of the top junior college baseball programs in the country. He's doing better than I thought.

I just would like to know PFVA, in YOUR opinion...if YOU were the GM...IF Harper keeps up anything close to this pace all year long and Washington doesn't take him #1........do you take him #2?

[williamjpellas]

Speaking of Manny Ramirez, the guy is without question one of the greatest righthanded hitters of all time, with or without steroids. But he's SUCH a colossal, flaky, selfish, passive-aggressive pain in the posterior that I wouldn't want him on my team, I don't care how many World Series he's helped them get to. I'd rather be the Minnesota Twins than the Bosox or the Yankees or even the Dodgers, most years. I'd rather have a bunch of at least outwardly good character guys who are easy to root for and who will win from time to time, than a bunch of permanent prima donna jerks like Ramirez or Barry Bonds.

[Jeremy]

How is the report about what he did any different than Manny Ramirez? Because Manny has proven his ability in the majors? Sure, I'll give you that, but it doesn't make the behavior any more "ok" or mature.

It's no different. But I wouldn't want that POS on my team either. It should tell people something that Red Sox were so eager to dump Manny when they did.

[PittFaninVa]

I just would like to know PFVA, in YOUR opinion...if YOU were the GM...IF Harper keeps up anything close to this pace all year long and Washington doesn't take him #1........do you take him #2?

If your scenario plays out he probably won't get by Washington. But to your question......if the Pirates are satisfied with their due diligence.....in a heartbeat.

[BigBen2112]

If your scenario plays out he probably won't get by Washington. But to your question......if the Pirates are satisfied with their due diligence.....in a heartbeat.

I guess my question is if he continues this...what is your evaluation? Do you select him and give him the money?

[williamjpellas]

I guess my question is if he continues this...what is your evaluation? Do you select him and give him the money?


No way, no how. Give me a slight overdraft---again, the key word is "slight"---like our fast-rising young catcher Sanchez, any day of the week, anytime, anywhere over an apparent prima donna punk. Maybe he really isn't that, but he doesn't run well and his defense is unproven, so he is not a "five tool, can't miss" type. Even if he was, I'm sick of millionaire jerk ballplayers. You'll always have them, but we don't have to be their first pro enablers, either.

[williamjpellas]

I guess my question is if he continues this...what is your evaluation? Do you select him and give him the money?


No way, no how. Give me a slight overdraft---again, the key word is "slight"---like our fast-rising young catcher Sanchez, any day of the week, anytime, anywhere over an apparent prima donna punk. Maybe he really isn't that, but he doesn't run well and his defense is unproven, so he is not a "five tool, can't miss" type. Even if he was, I'm sick of millionaire jerk ballplayers. You'll always have them, but we don't have to be their first pro enablers, either.

[BigBen2112]

I guess my question is if he continues this...what is your evaluation? Do you select him and give him the money?


No way, no how. Give me a slight overdraft---again, the key word is "slight"---like our fast-rising young catcher Sanchez, any day of the week, anytime, anywhere over an apparent prima donna punk. Maybe he really isn't that, but he doesn't run well and his defense is unproven, [HIGH-LIGHT]so he is not a "five tool, can't miss" type.[/HIGH-LIGHT] [HIGH-LIGHT]Even if he was, I'm sick of millionaire jerk ballplayers. You'll always have them, but we don't have to be their first pro enablers, either.[/HIGH-LIGHT]

That's certainly a dramatic view of the situation.

[williamjpellas]

That's certainly a dramatic view of the situation.


Perhaps. But here's a question for ya: did we ever hear of an incident like the one described in this thread involving, say, Joe Mauer? Or Stephen Strasburg? Maybe there's something out there that someone can report, but I've not heard of any kind of punk behavior coming out of those dudes. Again, maybe this kid is just that: a kid. But call me old-fashioned, I just don't think, in general, we need to be looking to create the next 17 or 18 year old multi-millionaire. Particularly when you add in a noted antichrist like Scot Boras. Too much drama and trauma for me, I'm sorry.