Bryce Harper...

[MarkGrace]

He does play the most difficult position in baseball. A 23 year old catcher is about the same developmentally as a 21 year old outfielder. If Harper had stayed behind the plate he'd get more respect from me.

Harpers 19 (unless he recently turned 20).

[falafel]

He does play the most difficult position in baseball. A 23 year old catcher is about the same developmentally as a 21 year old outfielder. If Harper had stayed behind the plate played for the Rockies he'd get more respect from me.

Approved, with edits.

[Non Sequitur]

I don't follow the NL as much as I do the AL, but it seems to me that Harper is making a good case for NL Rookie of the Year. He's at least proven the detractors wrong that said Washington panicked by calling him up too early.

Bryce Harper is definitely my favorite .260 hitter in the NL.

[DU Ute]

Harpers 19 (unless he recently turned 20).

I know, I'm just saying a 23 is young for a catcher to be putting up the numbers Rosario is. He is 5th in baseball in AB per HR, it looks like there has only been one catcher in the last 18 years who has finished in the top 5. I'm not saying I would take him over Harper long term, that would be silly. I'm just saying he is putting up some great numbers, better than Bryce pretty much across the board, and deserves some props for doing so.

[San Juan Sun]

I know, I'm just saying a 23 is young for a catcher to be putting up the numbers Rosario is. He is 5th in baseball in AB per HR, it looks like there has only been one catcher in the last 18 years who has finished in the top 5. I'm not saying I would take him over Harper long term, blah blah blah blah blah...

Two words: Coors Field

[DU Ute]

Two words: Coors Field

It is a great stadium. Glad to see another fan.

Rosario has a higher OPS on the road than Harper and the same number of home runs in 100 less at bats. The time to jump on the Wilin bandwagon is now!

[SoCalCoug]

Bryce Harper will hit 50 home runs in a season within the next 5 years. His batting average will exceed .300 next year. Barring serious injury, he and Mike Trout will be in the discussion for NL and AL MVP's for the next 15 years.

[UtahDan]

Bryce Harper will hit 50 home runs in a season within the next 5 years. His batting average will exceed .300 next year. Barring serious injury, he and Mike Trout will be in the discussion for NL and AL MVP's for the next 15 years.

I need to check the numbers but my perception is that after slumping following the All Star break that he has had a very good September. He seems to just get better and his power is very impressive.

[Surfah]

I need to check the numbers but my perception is that after slumping following the All Star break that he has had a very good September. He seems to just get better and his power is very impressive.

Since mid-August he's hitting over .300 with 9 HRs. He's been producing when it matters most.

I also heard another interesting stat regarding his power. He's leading the NL in average HR distance with 414'.

[Non Sequitur]

I know, I'm just saying a 23 is young for a catcher to be putting up the numbers Rosario is. He is 5th in baseball in AB per HR, it looks like there has only been one catcher in the last 18 years who has finished in the top 5. I'm not saying I would take him over Harper long term, that would be silly. I'm just saying he is putting up some great numbers, better than Bryce pretty much across the board, and deserves some props for doing so.

If Rosario weren't so bad defensively, it would be a no-brainer. Harper will win it, because that's the sexy pick. Harper will become a perennial all-star, but there are other rookies who are having better years right now.

[DU Ute]

If Rosario weren't so bad defensively, it would be a no-brainer. Harper will win it, because that's the sexy pick. Harper will become a perennial all-star, but there are other rookies who are having better years right now.

You are right. I actually think Miley probably deserves it. I have no problem with Harper winning it, though. He is having an incredible season for a 19 year old and I think there should be some weight given to his age.

Just one last Wilin Rosario fun fact before I stop crapping on the Harper thread. Where he stands right now, Rosario has the second highest slugging percentage ever for a rookie catcher. Amazing!

[il Padrino Ute]

You know baseball, Paddy. How does he stack up in batting and in fielding skills for a player as young as he is?

For his age there are few he compares to.

I agree with Surfah, though I'd say it the other way around - there are few 19 year olds that compare to him.

For being 19, Harper has flashes of amazing skill at the plate. His defense is not at the same level as his hitting, but he gets the job done. But where he really shines is on the bases. He's fearless and aggressive and is willing to take risks that few veterans will take. He forces the opposition to worry about him when he's on base and that helps his teammate who is in the box and that is an invaluable asset.

[Surfah]

I agree with Surfah, though I'd say it the other way around - there are few 19 year olds that compare to him.

For being 19, Harper has flashes of amazing skill at the plate. His defense is not at the same level as his hitting, but he gets the job done. But where he really shines is on the bases. He's fearless and aggressive and is willing to take risks that few veterans will take. He forces the opposition to worry about him when he's on base and that helps his teammate who is in the box and that is an invaluable asset.

At this point, you're right. And I agree. His baserunning is pretty phenomenal. He creates so many errors by the opposing team because of his aggressiveness. It's a reason he's among the league leaders in runs scored as well.

[MarkGrace]

Harper goes gonzo again.

[Surfah]

Harper goes gonzo again.

He took the first pitch way deep but just foul. I thought to myself if Cloyd goes inside again he's going to straighten that out. And the next pitch he did. I hope he gets a few more steals before the end of the year. 20-20 under the age of 20 would be cool.