OT: Bryce Harper, Class Act

[the 'stache]

I agree with Brock in principle. Bryce isn't worthy of an All Star selection this year because he missed too much time, and doesn't have the numbers. The kid is going to be a perennial selection, but he didn't earn it this year.

But you know what, guys? I'm not too upset that he's going to be there, either, especially after reading this article. In fact, I'm more excited to watch the game because I know he will be there. Bryce might launch a 460 foot home run, or catch a fly ball at the warning track, and throw somebody out on the fly trying to score from third. The All Star Game is about recognizing the greats of the game, but it's also supposed to be entertaining (otherwise, we could just select a team, and not play the game). The game's going to be more fun to watch because Harper plays the game like Pete Rose used to play the game. He gives 100% effort every play, and if I were a dad wanting to show my son how the game was supposed to be played, he'd be the perfect example. Bryce Harper's effort, and his heart, honors the game itself, as well as the greats that have come before him.

By the way, very nice Harper cards, guys

I'll share two more of my favorites, as it's not often I get to share my cards here, because I don't have any vintage or pre war yet to speak of:

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Bryce in the Derby is gunna be quite a show. Though he's been injured for a bit, he was THE best player in the NL until he got hurt.

[the 'stache]

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

Bryce in the Derby is gunna be quite a show. Though he's been injured for a bit, he was THE best player in the NL until he got hurt.

As of may 26th, the last game he played before his injury, he was hitting .287 with 12 HR and 23 RBI in 44 games. He was having a really good season from a power numbers standpoint, but he was nowhere near the best player in the NL when he got hurt.

Compare Harper to two guys on the Brewers, for example (stats as of may 28th)

Bryce Harper: .287 AVG, 29 runs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 23 RBI, 2 SB, 2 CS. .386 OBP/.587 SLG/.973 OPS

Carlos Gomez: .331 AVG, 28 runs, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 9 SB, 2 CS. .376 OBP/.611 SLG/.987 OPS

Jean Segura: .365 AVG, 30 runs, 6 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 14 SB, 1 CS. .400 OBP/.569 SLG/.969 OPS

Bryce has incredible upside, but he's not at any point been the best player in the NL this season, in my humble opinion.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

As of may 26th, the last game he played before his injury, he was hitting .287 with 12 HR and 23 RBI in 44 games. He was having a really good season from a power numbers standpoint, but he was nowhere near the best player in the NL when he got hurt.

Compare Harper to two guys on the Brewers, for example (stats as of may 28th)

Bryce Harper: .287 AVG, 29 runs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 23 RBI, 2 SB, 2 CS. .386 OBP/.587 SLG/.973 OPS

Carlos Gomez: .331 AVG, 28 runs, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 9 SB, 2 CS. .376 OBP/.611 SLG/.987 OPS

Jean Segura: .365 AVG, 30 runs, 6 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 14 SB, 1 CS. .400 OBP/.569 SLG/.969 OPS

Bryce has incredible upside, but he's not at any point been the best player in the NL this season, in my humble opinion.

In looking at his numbers, he went off in April and May was below average. I wonder how long he was having injury issues with his atrocious May.

[t206blogcom]

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

In looking at his numbers, he went off in April and May was below average. I wonder how long he was having injury issues with his atrocious May.

Bryce himself stated he should've gone on the DL a month before he actually did. He was on fire at the beginning of the season, but a series of injuries hampered him and his averages dropped. Since returning, he's had quite a few nice games so far. Nothing like first at bat after coming off the DL and hitting a HR on the 2nd pitch.

[dwr11]

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

Bryce in the Derby is gunna be quite a show. Though he's been injured for a bit, he was THE best player in the NL until he got hurt.

Totally agree!

[leftygrove10]

Gavin Rupp (the hospice patient that Bryce Harper met with) died today.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by leftygrove10

Gavin Rupp (the hospice patient that Bryce Harper met with) died today.

Very sad to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

[the 'stache]

That's terrible news.

Nothing tears me up more than seeing a kid having to battle some terminal disease.

I will say a prayer for his family. I can't imagine how they feel right now.

Great story with a very sad ending. This one's for Gavin