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Originally Posted by familytoad
I’ve watched the Phillies almost every night for as many years as the MLB AT BAT app has been around.
To answer the question, yes Bryce Harper does run hard on ground balls, better than most MLB players. Most players don’t, even the popular ones like Trout or Betts. ( I’ve heard it said that most MLB players consider it a fools errand to run out a bouncer to 2B at full speed to risk injury when 99.5% they’ll be out anyway)
I don’t think that’s the truest evaluation of hustle. You see it running for extra bases, backing up plays in the OF as much as possible. And yes, running out grounders for the most part.
As a Phillies fan, I didn’t like him on the Nats. But that’s because I don’t like anyone in the same division as my beloved Phil’s. So the only thing I wanted to see Harper do when he joined the Phillies was that he played hard and showed that he wanted to win. He won me over because he truly plays hard every game. He’s been a leader on and off the field. Whatever reputed problems he had as a young player appear to be in his past.
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I agree with Brian. Harper has been everything the Phillies could have hoped for when they signed him. I never understand why some players receive criticisms for not running hard on every play since almost every player does the same thing. There's almost no player that runs hard on every routine ground out to second or the pitcher, but for some reason, certain players seem expected to do it while most others get a pass. From what I have seen of Harper since he's been in Philly, his effort and desire to win are up there with anyone in the league.