Bryce Harper To Forgo Last 2 Yrs. of HS; Will Enter Draft at 17

[Greg Maddux's Biggest Fan]

Here's the Cover Story on Yahoo MLB. Looks like Bryce wants to take the fast track to the Big Leagues, but I hope he's mentally prepared for his setbacks.

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/tools/med/2009/06/ipt/1245213723.jpg
Phenom Bryce Harper will skip two years of high school to fast-forward
a pro career. Some question the wisdom.

Could Harper be derailed on fast track?

By Gordon Edes, Yahoo! Sports

So, will we now see scores of 16-year-old kids rushing to emulate Bryce Harper, the Nevada teenager and Sports Illustrated cover boy who plans to forgo his last two years of high school to become eligible for the baseball draft next June?

“I have always said,” Roy Clark, the veteran scouting director for the Atlanta Braves, wrote Tuesday in an email, “that no matter the ability a kid has at an early age, until he gets past that first driver’s license and first kiss, you don’t know how they will respond.”

Clark has seen Harper play, but does not know him personally. “He’s got a chance to be special, ability-wise,” he said.

He doesn’t have issues with Harper’s plan to earn his GED, enroll in junior college with his older brother and prepare for next year’s draft under the guidance of uber-agent Scott Boras. From a baseball standpoint, he probably wasn’t going to benefit from playing for his high school team.

“Unfortunately,” Clark said, “when a kid is this good, opposing coaches won’t pitch to him, anyway.”

And besides, Clark said, Harper is “definitely the rare exception.”

Another National League scouting director, who asked that his name not be used because he didn’t want to provide Boras with more promotional material, has seen Harper on numerous occasions. This is what he says:

“I scouted A-Rod, Chipper Jones(notes), Manny [Ramirez], all those guys in high school. God was very, very good to this kid. He’s stronger than they all were in high school. Never mind next year. If he’d been in the draft this year, he would have gone very, very high. You just don’t see a kid that age that advanced physically, with that strength.”

But you already knew that. Harper is already being called baseball’s LeBron James. But is rushing him along dangerous?

“If it was my son, would I do that?” the scouting director said. “No, I’d want him to be a kid. It’s the parents’ decision, they’re going in it with their eyes wide open, but I hope we don’t start seeing three, four, five kids a year thinking they can do this.”

Gary Hughes, who has scouted for decades and now is a special assistant to Cubs GM Jim Hendry, has stronger feelings on Harper fast-forwarding his career.

“Why?” he said. “Why not just be a kid? I think it’s sad what’s happening. Traveling squads for little kids, parents paying up to a thousand bucks for a weekend. I have a 10-year-old grandson who is a closer. A closer. I know one family where the parents are assessed 45 bucks per kid – they have two kids – for a session with a strength and conditioning coach. They’re 9 years old. I know it’s happening in all sports, but it’s pathetic.”

It appears unlikely baseball will challenge Harper’s right to come out early, not when the industry is signing 16 year-olds in foreign countries, especially from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Hughes argues that it’s not a fair comparison. In the Dominican Republic, the majority of players don’t have the educational opportunities or career options available in the U.S. And the Dominican players who sign at 16 spend years at baseball academies on the island until they are physically and mentally ready to start climbing through the farm systems in the U.S.

“Eventually, these kids are going to have to get out in the world,” Hughes said. “If [Harper] does become the Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle, great, then he doesn’t have to worry. But what if he doesn’t? There’s only one Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle.”

Even if he flops, Harper will at least have something to fall back on: the multimillion-dollar bonus he is certain to receive upon being drafted. Finishing his education will always be an option.

“He’s very impressive, no question,” Hughes said. “But he’s 16. He’s just out of the Babe Ruth League All-Star game, and now this? I think it’s ridiculous. Yes, this kid is physically advanced, but let him at least go to a [school dance].”


Also, there is a poll on Yahoo Blog asking whether you support Bryce's decision to enter the draft early. A whopping 292706 people voted so far: 55% in favor, 45% against. The blog also has 6157 comments. Bryce Harper is already larger than life.

[bob]

Nationals fan's have a reason to look forward to next season if they continue their spectacularly bad start to the season.

I wonder how much of this hype is just being spun up by Boras and how much is real?

[Bennybosox]

Bryce Harper has been touted by major scouting publications as the closest thing to a "Can't miss--sure thing superstar" since he was 14 years old. Think about that 14 years old, and according to thse publications he's been on their radar since he was 11. The SI article just brought the hype machine mainstream.

So, He's going to forgo two years of HS to make himself draft eligible a year early. If you were him what would you do? If you read the SI article you know that his family is constantly trying to find him top notch competition to play against, and its a struggle for them to do so based on his superior talent level. If he dominates the JUCO level for the year he's there than he'll likely put himself in a position to not only be set financially, but probably be on the fast track to the major's. The kid sleeps with a bat, his whole life is baseball and he's clearly focused on being a big league ball player--and a great on at that. I say good luck to him.

I also think it's great seeing MLB's draft getting the hype that surrounds the NFL and NBA, with the media attention around Strasburg this year and Harper next year.

[Windy City Fan]

I would do what he is doing without a second thought. He has nothing to gain by continuing to play amature ball as he's already locked up a multi-million dollar signing bonus. And every season he plays at the amature level he runs the risk of a serious or freak injury which could greatly reduce that precious signing bonus. Cash in now!

Even if his baseball career doesn't pan out, he's still got millions of dollars in the bank and if he's smart about it, he'd be set for life financially.

[Rich the Giants fan]

I hope he's as good as they say, because if he flames out and has no education to fall back on, I doubt that signing bonus will carry him through to retirement.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I hope he's as good as they say, because if he flames out and has no education to fall back on, I doubt that signing bonus will carry him through to retirement.

If he flames out he can go back to school and get a education, no? As point of reference. The Giants signed Angel Villalona at age 16. He's 18 now playing for San Jose in the California League and playing well.

[Greg Maddux's Biggest Fan]

I hope he's as good as they say, because if he flames out and has no education to fall back on, I doubt that signing bonus will carry him through to retirement.

I think $20M+ dollars could carry most through retirement, unless he lives like a rockstar. Either way, he'll have plenty of cash to go to any school he wants should baseball not pan out.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I think $20M+ dollars could carry most through retirement, unless he lives like a rockstar. Either way, he'll have plenty of cash to go to any school he wants should baseball not pan out.

You think his bonus will be that high?

[Windy City Fan]

I hope he's as good as they say, because if he flames out and has no education to fall back on, I doubt that signing bonus will carry him through to retirement.

He's getting his GED which means he can easily go to college and get a degree if the baseball thing doesn't work out. Plenty of folks get their degrees in their late 20's or early 30's. The only difference for Bryce Harper is he'll have a couple million in the bank already.

[ipitch]

I hope he's as good as they say, because if he flames out and has no education to fall back on, I doubt that signing bonus will carry him through to retirement.

Last year's #1 pick got $6.15 mil. That's $88,000/year for 70 years. Tons of people get through life with far less money than that.

Anyway, you do realize that people can go back to school, right? But, it's unlikely that he'll ever need to.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Last year's #1 pick got $6.15 mil. That's $88,000/year for 70 years. Tons of people get through life with far less money than that.
If Haper would take $1.5 million of his signing bonus and put it into a 30 year investment, he's going have tons of money when the investment matures.

[DaleC76]

Can't really blame the guy, but I get a sour taste in my mouth when I hear of kids dropping out of high school.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Can't really blame the guy, but I get a sour taste in my mouth when I hear of kids dropping out of high school.

He is getting his GED so it's not like he's dropping out of high school without a degree.

[Greg Maddux's Biggest Fan]

You think his bonus will be that high?

Yeah I think so. He could be nearing Strasboug money, and he's reportedly asking for $20M. Not only is Harper a certified prodigy, he has TONS of leverage in negotiations; he still has 2 years of HS for god sakes. The ball is totally in his court.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Yeah I think so. He could be nearing Strasboug money, and he's reportedly asking for $20M. Not only is Harper a certified prodigy, he has TONS of leverage in negotiations; he still has 2 years of HS for god sakes. The ball is totally in his court.
I think you mean 2 years of college. By the 2010 draft Harper will have one season of juco baseball behind him.

[Berkman#17]

Actually, 3 years of college left. He can keep holding out until he's a senior.

That won't happen though. Washington will pay up.

[Ubiquitous]

Actually, 3 years of college left. He can keep holding out until he's a senior.

That won't happen though. Washington will pay up.

He can go to JUCO for 2 years and in either year be eligible for the draft. So after this year of JUCO he will have one year left at JUCO. Now then if in 2010 he doesn't like the team that drafted him or the money they offer him he can go back to JUCO or go to college. If he stays at JUCO he has one more year left. IF in 2011 he doesn't like the team or offer he can go to college where he in all probability becomes ineligible for the draft for several years. Now it is possible that while in JUCO he takes enough classes to qualify as a junior when he transfers to a college but I kind of doubt he could pull that off which means he would either be a freshman or sophomore and would be ineligible for the draft until after his junior year. That is unless he goes to a Division III school in which case he would be paying for tuition out of his own pocket.

Basically he has a little wiggle room but if his goal is to get the guaranteed money as quickly as possible while their are no noticeable flaws in his armor then he doesn't have a lot of time. IF he doesn't sign out of JUCO then it might not be until 2014 or so that he gets drafted which would defeat the whole purpose of leaving high school early.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

By the way what the heck is up with Bryce's smeared eye black? :think:

[sturg1dj]

By the way what the heck is up with Bryce's smeared eye black? :think:

I am not sure if this is a word that is allowed here, but I think it applies.

I think he does the eyeblack thing because he is a douche.

I could be wrong but every picture I have seen of him and every word I have read says that. Of course it doesn't help that he is an elite athlete in high school.


I could be wrong, and if douche is not allowed I apologize.




but on a more serious note I hope he does well enough to get a return on this chance he is taking (I am not sure yet if I am rooting for him to be a star, but I don't wish anything bad onto him). I just hope if he somehow does flop and SI does the story about the kid who left HS early failing and how he blames the people around him, they have these articles they wrote ready so they remember how big a role they played as well.

[Bennybosox]

I think that the timing of this announcement could really end up hurting this young man. The fact that his family has announced that he "intends" to get his GED implies that he has not taken-- and more importantly-- passed his GED test. Imagine the PR nightmare and the national embarassment this kid would have to endure if he were to fail the test and have to go back to high school?

[Ubiquitous]

He would have to be a pretty big dunce to fail his GED.

[KevinWI]

I am not sure if this is a word that is allowed here, but I think it applies.

I think he does the eyeblack thing because he is a douche.

I could be wrong but every picture I have seen of him and every word I have read says that. Of course it doesn't help that he is an elite athlete in high school.

Nothing wrong with a little eye black in my opinion, but come on, he looks like The Ultimate Warrior.

http://www.gumgod.com/images/mike_sdwarrior_warrior.jpg

[Berkman#17]

I am not sure if this is a word that is allowed here, but I think it applies.

I think he does the eyeblack thing because he is a douche.

I could be wrong but every picture I have seen of him and every word I have read says that. Of course it doesn't help that he is an elite athlete in high school.


I could be wrong, and if douche is not allowed I apologize.




but on a more serious note I hope he does well enough to get a return on this chance he is taking (I am not sure yet if I am rooting for him to be a star, but I don't wish anything bad onto him). I just hope if he somehow does flop and SI does the story about the kid who left HS early failing and how he blames the people around him, they have these articles they wrote ready so they remember how big a role they played as well.

Or maybe he's just a 16 year old kid who likes to wear eye-black? Ever think of that?

Why in the world would you not root for him, or any player in a similar situation, to be a star? Jealousy? That's friggin ridiculous. Name one, just one, super-talented player that was bad for the game. I've never, ever heard someone complain because a guy is "too good", or "I don't like him because he hits/throws/plays so well". If he pans out, the game has another superstar. When in the world has that ever been a bad thing for the game.

Did it suck to watch Bo Jackson? Does it suck to watch Pujols, Hamilton, or Mauer hit? Soooo why would you not want this kid to be like them?

If the worst thing you can say about it him is how much eye-black he wears, then you are just nitpicking and looking for a reason to hate.

[Ubiquitous]

Barry Bonds?
Jose Canseco?

[KevinWI]

Or maybe he's just a 16 year old kid who likes to wear eye-black? Ever think of that?

Why in the world would you not root for him, or any player in a similar situation, to be a star? Jealousy? That's friggin ridiculous. Name one, just one, super-talented player that was bad for the game. I've never, ever heard someone complain because a guy is "too good", or "I don't like him because he hits/throws/plays so well". If he pans out, the game has another superstar. When in the world has that ever been a bad thing for the game.

Did it suck to watch Bo Jackson? Does it suck to watch Pujols, Hamilton, or Mauer hit? Soooo why would you not want this kid to be like them?

If the worst thing you can say about it him is how much eye-black he wears, then you are just nitpicking and looking for a reason to hate.

Well, I can think of a few honest examples.

A - If the superstar is on a rival team and he dominates your team.

B - During 2001, when Bonds hit 73 (28 in the first 50 games), I remember people being disgusted. Remember this was before "steroids" were a household word.

But, to be honest, I don't have a reason to hate Bryce, not yet, unless the Cubs draft him.

[yamsi12]

big mistake.

[Zoso]

I would do what he is doing without a second thought. He has nothing to gain by continuing to play amature ball as he's already locked up a multi-million dollar signing bonus. And every season he plays at the amature level he runs the risk of a serious or freak injury which could greatly reduce that precious signing bonus. Cash in now!

Even if his baseball career doesn't pan out, he's still got millions of dollars in the bank and if he's smart about it, he'd be set for life financially.


Exactly. Anyone who thinks education is necessary for this guy is an idiot. His bonus alone is enough to last him the rest of his life if he never plays a day in MLB.

Education is overrated. It gets you in the door for a mediocre job when you're 22. You want millions? Skip school when someone offers it to you. You want to be a CEO? No one gives a crap about where you went to college when you're in that stage of your career and they often don't care whether you went. There are pretty much no negatives with him doing this, either financially, developmentally or personally.

I can think of plenty for the team that signs him though, but that's on them. And I can think of a plenty of things that could happen to him while he's finishing his useless HS classes or toiling in some D-1 park in the middle of a cornfield that could make him regret not taking the bonus for the rest of his life.

[Ubiquitous]

Education is not overrated. Apparently it is underrated.

Bryce's bonus will only set him up for life if he is wise about managing it. If he isn't he'll be bagging groceries at the local piggly-wiggly when he is 30 or sooner.

[Zoso]

Okay, then in that case he's just a loser. That doesn't really support any kind of notion that a kid like this should hit the books in lieu of millions of dollars though. That's simply a worst case scenario. Take the money while you can. If you flame out, AND you spend all your money (which is pretty unlikely to see both), you can at least manage a grocery store with a GED and a few juco classes. Gimme a break.

[Windy City Fan]

Education is not overrated. Apparently it is underrated.

Bryce's bonus will only set him up for life if he is wise about managing it. If he isn't he'll be bagging groceries at the local piggly-wiggly when he is 30 or sooner.

Sure he has to be smart about it. If he blows it all on fast cars and partying, which is very possible given that he's still a teenager and probably expecting bigger paydays down the road, he deserves what he gets.

The fact is though, he has nothing to gain by playing high school or college ball. Every game he plays between now and his signing won't increase his draft value, but does carry the risk of a serious injury that could significantly hurt his draft value. Why not cash in now?

[dominik]

Exactly. Anyone who thinks education is necessary for this guy is an idiot. His bonus alone is enough to last him the rest of his life if he never plays a day in MLB.

Education is overrated. It gets you in the door for a mediocre job when you're 22. You want millions? Skip school when someone offers it to you. You want to be a CEO? No one gives a crap about where you went to college when you're in that stage of your career and they often don't care whether you went. There are pretty much no negatives with him doing this, either financially, developmentally or personally.

I can think of plenty for the team that signs him though, but that's on them. And I can think of a plenty of things that could happen to him while he's finishing his useless HS classes or toiling in some D-1 park in the middle of a cornfield that could make him regret not taking the bonus for the rest of his life.

I don't agree with that. It's not only about earning money, you also need a certain education/intelligence to keep the money.
If you are an immature idiot you can loose any kind of money, especially if you are a young guy who can easily fall into different temptations.

Everyone only wants your best-your money:)

Both Michael Jackson und Mike Tyson did earn several 100 millions of dollars and now they are broke.

I'm not suggesting this will be a problem for harper(since he seems to be a clever guy and not some "gangsta" type), but even intelligent people can get out of touch with reality when they get nuthugged every day and get invited to obscure celebrity parties.

Even if he doesn't fall into that trap I still think this is a bad example for other HS kids. They get a message that education is not that important.

Still wish him all the best. He's a great talent.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Nothing wrong with a little eye black in my opinion, but come on, he looks like The Ultimate Warrior.

http://www.gumgod.com/images/mike_sdwarrior_warrior.jpg

That's what came to mind when I saw how Harper did his.\

He's not foregoing education, he's foregoing a traditional formal education. Between the GED and JUCO, he's still getting an education. There are plenty of home-schooled kids who do just fine for a long time and do well when they attend college. I don't think this is a horrible thing for him to do, although it could well set a precedent that could hurt a lot of H.S. and college baseball programs in the U.S.

[ol' aches and pains]

Don't forget, he's got the wise and principled Scott Boras to guide him, what could go wrong?

[metfan13]

He'll have a high school diploma. Has lack of any college time hurt LeBron James?

[Ubiquitous]

I never said he should or shouldn't take the money. What I said was that education is not overrated and it isn't. Education is very important.

[SamtheBravesFan]

He'll have a high school diploma. Has lack of any college time hurt LeBron James?

No. The point here is if Harper is going to be smart enough to know what to do with the millions of dollars that he'll make. If he does, or at least has someone very knowledgeable advising him what to do with it, he'll be just fine. The opportunity cost won't be for naught.

I think he's making the right decision to take the money. I just hope that he doesn't waste this life-changing opportunity.

[Ubiquitous]

This is what happens when athletes make stupid decisions. (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06182009/news/nationalnews/resort_developer_bilks_nhl_players_out_o_174915.ht m)

Here is another article and they manage to leave out quite a few that have lost it all.

25 more athletes who have gone broke (http://www.businesspundit.com/25-rich-athletes-who-went-broke/)

[Captain Cold Nose]

This is what happens when athletes make stupid decisions. (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06182009/news/nationalnews/resort_developer_bilks_nhl_players_out_o_174915.ht m)

Here is another article and they manage to leave out quite a few that have lost it all.

25 more athletes who have gone broke (http://www.businesspundit.com/25-rich-athletes-who-went-broke/)

So maybe no one should go into professional sports, then?

Wow, ubi. Is anything in life worth doing?

[Ubiquitous]

Why does everything have to be binary?

Is there a risk? Yes. Can he lose his money? Yes. Should he be smart about his money? Yes.

Where in all of this have I said it isn't worth it or he shouldn't do something? I'll say it again, all I have said is that education is not overrated and that it is rather important.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Why does everything have to be binary?

Is there a risk? Yes. Can he lose his money? Yes. Should he be smart about his money? Yes.

Where in all of this have I said it isn't worth it or he shouldn't do something? I'll say it again, all I have said is that education is not overrated and that it is rather important.

Why always focus on worst-case scenarios, though? Your previous post essentially does that. There are plenty of players who haven't gone broke, as well, education or not. Simply because someone said education is overrated and not so important you have to play the total killjoy?

In the world or entertainment, a formal education is not as important as actual experience in your craft as well as your enviornment. That doesn't apply for everytone. Nothing does, really.

[Ubiquitous]

Huh?

I don't really get this. Am I supposed to only type stuff like :blah::faint::dismay::supe::pray::atthepc and write things like "koolz"?

I have a viewpoint am I not supposed to also support my viewpoint or should I simply stick to "Jeter iz da BOMB!"?

If you want to talk killjoy this whole thread is a killjoy. Many people are talking about the risks of walking away from high school early. Was this thread supposed to be a celebration of Bryce Harper?

In the world or entertainment, a formal education is not as important as actual experience in your craft as well as your enviornment.

And life is more than just your profession.

[ipitch]

Bryce's bonus will only set him up for life if he is wise about managing it. If he isn't he'll be bagging groceries at the local piggly-wiggly when he is 30 or sooner.

That could also happen to someone with a college education.

[Ubiquitous]

That could also happen to someone with a college education.

Yes, someone with a college education can end up bagging groceries. The difference is that the college grad isn't immediately barred from millions of jobs in this country while the guy with the GED or no high school diploma (which is worse than a GED) is barred. At the same time a person with a college degree does tend to be better educated about financial management than a non college grad. Is it possible on a case by case basis that the opposite can prove true? Of course, but using millions and millions as people to form an aggregate the studies show that college grads do better.

[Rich the Giants fan]

He may indeed be all that he's advertised at. He may, in fact, do just fine with his bonus money and not squander it. He may just not need his education in the end.

However, it's never smart to drop out of high school and his doing so makes me question his intelligence. One just has to hope that he doesn't suffer a career ending injury and/or blow all his money as has been done so many times before him by atheletes/lottery winners/strike-it-rich businessmen.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Yes, someone with a college education can end up bagging groceries. The difference is that the college grad isn't immediately barred from millions of jobs in this country while the guy with the GED or no high school diploma (which is worse than a GED) is barred. At the same time a person with a college degree does tend to be better educated about financial management than a non college grad. Is it possible on a case by case basis that the opposite can prove true? Of course, but using millions and millions as people to form an aggregate the studies show that college grads do better.

Does that hold up or even apply in the entertainment industry, though? There's no question an advanced formal education opens up much greater opportunities, and not just in the job market. But that's not what we're talking about in this case. Someone has a skillset that has an incredible potential reward for following through on it, so why would he not take advantage of that as soon as he can, especially when the earnings window is so relatively short compared to so many other professions?

Life is about opportunity. He's been given one and he's going to take it. What difference does it make to him if it's not a sure thing? What is? But he can make it on what he has chosen to do in life. He has Scott Boras as an adviser already, and say what you will, I think that's a good start, it's not like his Uncle Johnny is calling all the shots. He's not going into this all starry-eyed and false hoping. If he plays this smartly, and he's done so, thus far, as much as someone leaving high school at 16 could, he won't be stuck with a job usually set for someone who left high school at 16.

He'll be taking courses at the JUCO toward his diploma/GED, so it's not like he's totally dropping out.

[Rich the Giants fan]

He'll be taking courses at the JUCO toward his diploma/GED, so it's not like he's totally dropping out.
I would love to see what classes he ends up taking. Underwater basketweaving perhaps? Somehow I forsee a "light" schedule for him.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I would love to see what classes he ends up taking. Underwater basketweaving perhaps? Somehow I forsee a "light" schedule for him.

Like most other athletes, anyway, eh? So he gets to miss out on the 17 weeks his classmates would be spending on The Odyssey and he won't get to dissect the fetal pig everyone looks forward to for senior year.

We just got rats. I am still bitter.

[Ubiquitous]

Does that hold up or even apply in the entertainment industry, though?
Yes. There are several success stories about failed athletes who ended up bagging groceries or doing other kinds of menial labor and then getting a second chance and becoming a star. For every success story there has got to be at least a few dozen failure stories that start out the same way.



so why would he not take advantage of that as soon as he can, especially when the earnings window is so relatively short compared to so many other professions?

You are asking the wrong guy. I never said he shouldn't do anything.




But setting aside high school and all that for a minute and simply looking at this financially coming out now does contain risks. By leaving high school now and going to JUCO he has set himself on a path hedged in by time constraints. Which I have already gone over. He is declaring for the draft in the middle of one of the worst economic depression in the globe's history. Teams before this season tightened their pocket strings in preparation for the unknown. What are they likely to do after another year of this? Are they likely to hand out mega millions to an under 18 prospect who is a tremendous gamble? Sure they will give him millions but will it be the millions Bryce wants? If he had simply waited for his natural high school education to finish then he buys himself another year for the economy to turn around and he still maintains his options. He can declare for the draft and if he doesn't like what he is offered he can head to JUCO. Secondly heading to JUCO carries its own risks. If he goes to a weak or strong JUCO school and doesn't do well that is going to negatively impact his value whereas staying in high school and beating up on known inferior competition would not hurt his value. Going to a weak JUCO and doing okay or good doesn't really add to his value. Out of all of the options the only one that would help him is going to a strong JUCO and doing well so there are more options that hurt his value than help his value.

[Trickyhop]

Or maybe he's just a 16 year old kid who likes to wear eye-black? Ever think of that?

Why in the world would you not root for him, or any player in a similar situation, to be a star? Jealousy? That's friggin ridiculous. Name one, just one, super-talented player that was bad for the game. I've never, ever heard someone complain because a guy is "too good", or "I don't like him because he hits/throws/plays so well". If he pans out, the game has another superstar. When in the world has that ever been a bad thing for the game.

Did it suck to watch Bo Jackson? Does it suck to watch Pujols, Hamilton, or Mauer hit? Soooo why would you not want this kid to be like them?

If the worst thing you can say about it him is how much eye-black he wears, then you are just nitpicking and looking for a reason to hate.

The above photo is from the SI article photoshoot. It's not nitpicking to notice that black mess all over his face that he strategically placed there to look "cool" for a photoshoot. It looks dumb. And you're right, he's 16 and likes to wear eye black, and he shows it...a lot of it.

[Captain Cold Nose]

The above photo is from the SI article photoshoot. It's not nitpicking to notice that black mess all over his face that he strategically placed there to look "cool" for a photoshoot. It looks dumb. And you're right, he's 16 and likes to wear eye black, and he shows it...a lot of it.

You don't understand the life of a waaarrrrrriioooorrrr.

[Berkman#17]

Barry Bonds?
Jose Canseco?

Completely and utterly missed my point. How did I know someone would see what I said and point out some steroid user.

Heck with it, let's use those guys. Say your head was in the sand. Or in 98 with McGwire and Sosa, when it was just whispers. Was it or was it not, one of the most exciting things to watch? Guys just absolutely tearing it up isn't fun to watch?

Or we can go back to my original point, you know, where I didn't list any users; when is it not exciting to watch Pujols hit? Mauer? Hamilton? Jackson back in the day? Beckett in the playoffs? Santana or Halladay pitching? Yea, having more guys like that is a terrible, terrible thing for the game.

[Berkman#17]

Well, I can think of a few honest examples.

A - If the superstar is on a rival team and he dominates your team.

B - During 2001, when Bonds hit 73 (28 in the first 50 games), I remember people being disgusted. Remember this was before "steroids" were a household word.

But, to be honest, I don't have a reason to hate Bryce, not yet, unless the Cubs draft him.

Point A is a bad point. That is not bad for the game. Not liking a guy because he kills your team is vastly different than rooting for a guy to fail because he wears too much eye black and the tone of one stinkin article was taken out of context by just about everyone. Pujols kills the Cubs, but that doesn't mean I don't respect him for it. Don't particularly like it, but you have to tip your cap. Plus I never leave my seat when he comes up against them.

Who was disgusted? I wasn't. I don't remember alot of people being disgusted. I do remember being in complete and total amazement. Steroids or not that was amazing to watch.

To those who don't like Bryce's quotes, if you can't see some dry tounge in cheek humor in that article, then you need to re-read it. Good part of that article and some of his quotes were to illustrate that he's just a kid and one who is having fun with all this. Don't take this so friggin seriously. If you think "hey they stole that from me" about Lebron comparisons was said by Bryce with a stone serious face, then wow. Plus let's think about this for one second. The story is about a 16 year old kid. He's not going to be perfect with the quotes. And probably more importantly, the writer knows that an article about a super-teenager is going to get read by the usual readers and..........that's right, other teenagers!! It's called knowing your audience. Was the writer supposed to deliver this funeral surmon-esque story about Bryce? Or did he try to have a little fun with it? Maybe he was trying to illustrate that the kid is still a kid and is having fun with all this?

Maybe Bryce should wipe off the eye-black (because he's the only player to ever wear that. I mean nobody at all wears it like that in the college game or anything) and give interviews like Brick Tamblin.

I...like...baseball. It is fun.

"So what are your dreams in baseball"

To umm, like keep playing and stuff.

Yea, that's some riveting stuff right there. You want a boring interview where the kid says nothing, go find the BP interview with Dustin Ackley.

[Berkman#17]

Education is not overrated. Apparently it is underrated.

Bryce's bonus will only set him up for life if he is wise about managing it. If he isn't he'll be bagging groceries at the local piggly-wiggly when he is 30 or sooner.

Hyperbole much?

[Ubiquitous]

Heck with it, let's use those guys. Say your head was in the sand. Or in 98 with McGwire and Sosa, when it was just whispers. Was it or was it not, one of the most exciting things to watch? Guys just absolutely tearing it up isn't fun to watch?

Now fast forward it 5 years. Was it or was not one of the more embarassing moments in baseball history?


Or we can go back to my original point, .

You asked to name one just one super talented player that was bad for baseball. I gave you at least one name.

Hyperbole much?
No.

[Berkman#17]

The above photo is from the SI article photoshoot. It's not nitpicking to notice that black mess all over his face that he strategically placed there to look "cool" for a photoshoot. It looks dumb. And you're right, he's 16 and likes to wear eye black, and he shows it...a lot of it.

You missed the point as well. He's nitpicking because that is the worst thing he can say about him. Oh no, he wears eye-black....what a bad person.

(Cue the Joakim Noah interview before the OSU-Florida title basketball game)

[DaleC76]

I think many people react negatively to hype, or at least to people and things they consider to be over-hyped. I also think many people take a perverse pleasure in seeing things that are hyped fail, whether it be teams like the 07 Patriots and 01 Mariners or individuals like Ryan Leaf or Tony Mandarich. Heck, I myself confess to smiling everytime I see video of Bo Jackson running over The Boz.

[ol' aches and pains]

I think many people react negatively to hype, or at least to people and things they consider to be over-hyped. I also think many people take a perverse pleasure in seeing things that are hyped fail, whether it be teams like the 07 Patriots and 01 Mariners or individuals like Ryan Leaf or Tony Mandarich. Heck, I myself confess to smiling everytime I see video of Bo Jackson running over The Boz.

Like the steamroller over Wile. E. Coyote in the Roadrunner cartoons, I love that clip!

For my part, I'm sick to puking of Scott Boras. Every "can't miss" prospect that surfaces these days is represented by Boras, it seems, although how it's legal for a high school kid to have an agent, I can't understand.

[Ubiquitous]

It isn't a matter of legality but of eligibility. You can have an adviser but not an agent and it is unfair since this is slanted against baseball players. The scary part is that the NCAA is actually trying to deny student athletes the right to legal counsel. Luckily the courts have swatted them down but the fascist NCAA persists.

[sturg1dj]

Or maybe he's just a 16 year old kid who likes to wear eye-black? Ever think of that?

Why in the world would you not root for him, or any player in a similar situation, to be a star? Jealousy? That's friggin ridiculous. Name one, just one, super-talented player that was bad for the game. I've never, ever heard someone complain because a guy is "too good", or "I don't like him because he hits/throws/plays so well". If he pans out, the game has another superstar. When in the world has that ever been a bad thing for the game.

Did it suck to watch Bo Jackson? Does it suck to watch Pujols, Hamilton, or Mauer hit? Soooo why would you not want this kid to be like them?

If the worst thing you can say about it him is how much eye-black he wears, then you are just nitpicking and looking for a reason to hate.

seriously? Don't tell me who to like because they will end up on my dislike list along with Lance Armstrong, Josh Hamilton, Kurt Warner and Tim Tebow.

If they have a story, tell it but don't gush over them.

Also, if this kid lives up to the hype then he will be one of the most dominating players ever....and the Tigers won't get him...so yeah like I said I hope he makes enough money to make his decision worth it...but I don't know yet.

[Berkman#17]

seriously? Don't tell me who to like because they will end up on my dislike list along with Lance Armstrong, Josh Hamilton, Kurt Warner and Tim Tebow.

If they have a story, tell it but don't gush over them.

Also, if this kid lives up to the hype then he will be one of the most dominating players ever....and the Tigers won't get him...so yeah like I said I hope he makes enough money to make his decision worth it...but I don't know yet.

I didn't tell you who to like. What I said was, your reasoning for calling him a "douche" was weak, and (possibly) rooting for him to fail is weak.

That's how the media is nowadays. They hype and they hype. Is that the kids fault? Was it Sebastian Telfair's fault? Lebron's?

And I have met Kurt Warner. Had dinner with him as a matter of fact. I know, I know; his "I love God and Christianity" stuff gets a little old. But he is one of the finest human beings I have ever met, and that includes friends that I've known for years. He truly is a genuine person.

[Berkman#17]

Now fast forward it 5 years. Was it or was not one of the more embarassing moments in baseball history?



You asked to name one just one super talented player that was bad for baseball. I gave you at least one name.


No.

Which you twisted my words about. Those guys were good talents (already great in Bonds case) that became truly great with some "help". Don't bring steroid users into this because you are just stretching trying to make your point seem right. They were bad for baseball because of what they did to become great. But let's take that part out, and take those guys out all together, which is why I did not include them. Did their perfomances alone ever hurt the game? Has Pujols going .330/30/100+ every year hurt the game? Did Mauer winning two batting titles as a catcher hurt the game? Did Hamilton at the AS Home Run Derby hurt the game? NO. That is what I'm talking about.

How great was Babe Ruth for the game? He is probably the best and most important figure in the history of baseball. Was he ever bad for the game (and I'm NOT talking about his off the field stuff)? Mantle was a monster, did he hurt it? Josh Gibson? Koufax? Teddy Ballgame? Dimaggio? I can keep going. Those are true superstars that transcend baseball. When oh when did having guys like that on a ball field be a bad thing?

Do you want me to go back and put in bold that "NATURAL" truly great players were great for the game? Harper's potential is to be truly great. Whether or not he will reach that remains to be seen. BUT if he reaches his potential, is he going to be bad for the game? Is the single fact that the game of baseball has another superstar, and a catcher to boot, bad for the game? Absolutely, in no way possible, NO.

Stop stretching and twisting words to try and make your point right.

[Berkman#17]

Like the steamroller over Wile. E. Coyote in the Roadrunner cartoons, I love that clip!

For my part, I'm sick to puking of Scott Boras. Every "can't miss" prospect that surfaces these days is represented by Boras, it seems, although how it's legal for a high school kid to have an agent, I can't understand.

If they didn't have advisors they would get taken advantage of. How many high schoolers or even college players, would know how to negotiate a million dollar contract by themselves.

[Berkman#17]

Hyperbole much?

No.

Yes, that is hyperbole. Saying that if he doesn't pan out he'll be bagging groceries at 30 is completely hyperbole. When was the last time you saw a 30 year old man bagging groceries? I've never seen it. Not making a joke here, but even the mentally handicapped that work at grocery stores don't bag groceries. That is for 14 year olds. Trust me, I did it at 14.

Several kids I grew up with didn't finish high school. Some continued down the wrong path, but most righted the ship and went on to lead somewhat successful lives. All by 25 had their feet planted in jobs. Now you say if this kid doesn't manage his money and doesn't pan out he'll be a grocery bagger waste of space. THAT is the very definition of hyperbole.

[Rich the Giants fan]

Yes, that is hyperbole. Saying that if he doesn't pan out he'll be bagging groceries at 30 is completely hyperbole. When was the last time you saw a 30 year old man bagging groceries? I've never seen it. Not making a joke here, but even the mentally handicapped that work at grocery stores don't bag groceries. That is for 14 year olds. Trust me, I did it at 14.


Actually the Safeway I go to has a few guys who are quite beyond the age of 30 who bag groceries, and none of them are "mentally handicapped".

[Ubiquitous]

Yes, that is hyperbole. Saying that if he doesn't pan out he'll be bagging groceries at 30 is completely hyperbole. When was the last time you saw a 30 year old man bagging groceries? I've never seen it. Not making a joke here, but even the mentally handicapped that work at grocery stores don't bag groceries. That is for 14 year olds. Trust me, I did it at 14.

Several kids I grew up with didn't finish high school. Some continued down the wrong path, but most righted the ship and went on to lead somewhat successful lives. All by 25 had their feet planted in jobs. Now you say if this kid doesn't manage his money and doesn't pan out he'll be a grocery bagger waste of space. THAT is the very definition of hyperbole.

No, it isn't hyperbole.

[Ubiquitous]

But let's take that part out.

Yes, let us take out the reasons they were bad for baseball and then examine them. You wouldn't happen to be related to Marge Schott would you?

[ol' aches and pains]

If they didn't have advisors they would get taken advantage of. How many high schoolers or even college players, would know how to negotiate a million dollar contract by themselves.

My point was high schoolers shouldn't be negotiating million dollar contracts. And some of them get taken advantage of by their advisors.

[Ubiquitous]

My point was high schoolers shouldn't be negotiating million dollar contracts. And some of them get taken advantage of by their advisors.

But they are more likely to get taken advantage of by the team they are negotiating with than by their adviser.

[Berkman#17]

Yes, let us take out the reasons they were bad for baseball and then examine them. You wouldn't happen to be related to Marge Schott would you?

Aye aye aye. This is getting old. I've said repeatedly to take those guys out of this point. You want to keep harping on this single part, and say nothing about the rest of it (coincidentally, the actual point of my posts). Just move on already if you are just going to nitpick a part that isn't even related to my original point.

[StanTheMan]

Yes, that is hyperbole. Saying that if he doesn't pan out he'll be bagging groceries at 30 is completely hyperbole. When was the last time you saw a 30 year old man bagging groceries? I've never seen it. Not making a joke here, but even the mentally handicapped that work at grocery stores don't bag groceries. That is for 14 year olds. Trust me, I did it at 14.

Several kids I grew up with didn't finish high school. Some continued down the wrong path, but most righted the ship and went on to lead somewhat successful lives. All by 25 had their feet planted in jobs. Now you say if this kid doesn't manage his money and doesn't pan out he'll be a grocery bagger waste of space. THAT is the very definition of hyperbole.

The second paragraph you have correct... very hyperbolic. That first paragraph about the mentally hanidcapped being ahead of you at work when you were 14? Not sure what to think of that.

There are a thousand individuals over 30 bagging groceries in this country as I type this, and a thousand others doing the same thing by the time you read it. I'm on a district mgmt team for THE biggest grocery store chain in the US, and I see it everyday. EVERY day.

[sturg1dj]

I didn't tell you who to like. What I said was, your reasoning for calling him a "douche" was weak, and (possibly) rooting for him to fail is weak.

That's how the media is nowadays. They hype and they hype. Is that the kids fault? Was it Sebastian Telfair's fault? Lebron's?

And I have met Kurt Warner. Had dinner with him as a matter of fact. I know, I know; his "I love God and Christianity" stuff gets a little old. But he is one of the finest human beings I have ever met, and that includes friends that I've known for years. He truly is a genuine person.

I am guessing from what you wrote about bagging groceries that you are much older than me (since no grocery store where I grew up would hire anyone under 16...and most don't even hire that young because they don't use baggers anymore) so I think it may be safe to assume that I am less removed from high school than you are, and being still in college I would say that I am around young people more than you are. So looking at every picture of the guy, how he does the eye black, how he cuts his hair, and how he wears his hat...I can say that he does, in fact, look like a douche. Also reading what he has said he also seems very cocky, which makes sense because he is a 16 year old sports phenom in high school. So looking at the complete package yes I think right now he is a 16 year old douche. Unlike many of us, however, he has time to grow out of it.


on the second point, about the hype not being their fault. I agree, it isn't, but my original statement said I am not sure if I am ready to root for them (after saying I hope nothing bad happens to the guy and I hope he at least gets paid enough). You questioning that seems like you are telling me who to root for. The kid has done nothing positive or negative on a professional field, why the hell should I be cheering for him? I'm not booing either.

[EdTarbusz]

The above photo is from the SI article photoshoot. It's not nitpicking to notice that black mess all over his face that he strategically placed there to look "cool" for a photoshoot. It looks dumb. And you're right, he's 16 and likes to wear eye black, and he shows it...a lot of it.

If I were the parent/coach/advisor/agent for a kid like this. I think I would already be advising him to stop acting like a kid and starting acting like the professional that you will soon be. I think someone entering the draft has to stop looking at the game as fun and approach it like work. I would hom to stop with the horro show make-up and the religous wristbands and start looking like a pro.

[StanTheMan]

If I were the parent/coach/advisor/agent for a kid like this. I think I would already be advising him to stop acting like a kid and starting acting like the professional that you will soon be. I think someone entering the draft has to stop looking at the game as fun and approach it like work. I would hom to stop with the horro show make-up and the religous wristbands and start looking like a pro.


Pujols includes scripture with autographs... what an amateur hack he is. He better start acting like a pro! And those pants all the way down to his shoetops... I wonder what the Morgan/McCarver generation thought of that the first time they saw it..... Mabye they said.....


I think I would be advising him to stop acting like a kid and starting acting like the professional that you will soon be/are. I think someone entering the draft/big leagues has to stop looking at the game as fun and approach it like work. I would hom to stop with the PANTS AT THE SHOETOPS and the BIBLICAL AUTOGRAPHS and start acting like a pro.


"Stop looking at the game as fun?" Are you Adam Dunn?

[EdTarbusz]

"Stop looking at the game as fun?" Are you Adam Dunn?

I think a kid entering the draft should look at the game as a career and not as fun. I know the idea of professionalism is wasted on the modern athlete, I would advise my kid to start acting like a professional now and not risk getting treated like a pariah as Gregg Jeffries was when he was with the Mets.

As far as Pujols, he should keep his religous views to hoimself and not force onto his fans.

[sturg1dj]

or...he could be Ken Griffey Jr and endear himself to an entire generation of fans. There is a fine line between annoying and endearing...haha.

I mean I think he is a douche, but I also think everyone on The Hills is a douche and the kids seem to love that crap. Another reason to not get to bent out of shape over me calling the kid a douche.

so any word on whether he changes positions because I doubt his career is at catcher.

[Bulldog19]

There has been questions on another board and my dad thought the same tonight when we were discussing this.. it is believed that one cannot obtain a GED until after their class has graduated from high school. Not sure if true or not, but could definitely ruin these plans..

He is being hyped as "baseball's Lebron James." The problem is basketball and baseball are two completely different animals. One does not go from being an high school player or a JUCO player to being the stud on a major league roster very often. Doing so at the age of 17 I don't see happening. Basketball it can happen occasionally. Basketball doesn't have multiple levels of "lower professional leagues" like baseball does.

I saw a thing the other day it mentioned Harper hitting a ball 570 feet one time. Ummm... Albert Pujols has hit a ball over 500 feet. Difference? Pujols was using wood while Harper was using aluminum. Just think how far Albert would hit the ball with an aluminum bat...

[Berkman#17]

There has been questions on another board and my dad thought the same tonight when we were discussing this.. it is believed that one cannot obtain a GED until after their class has graduated from high school. Not sure if true or not, but could definitely ruin these plans..

He is being hyped as "baseball's Lebron James." The problem is basketball and baseball are two completely different animals. One does not go from being an high school player or a JUCO player to being the stud on a major league roster very often. Doing so at the age of 17 I don't see happening. Basketball it can happen occasionally. Basketball doesn't have multiple levels of "lower professional leagues" like baseball does.

I saw a thing the other day it mentioned Harper hitting a ball 570 feet one time. Ummm... Albert Pujols has hit a ball over 500 feet. Difference? Pujols was using wood while Harper was using aluminum. Just think how far Albert would hit the ball with an aluminum bat...

You can get your GED early, and Bryce isn't the first to get his to be drafted earlier than his senior year. Landon Powell did it, though there was a huge snafu that followed it.

NBA does, in fact, have "lower professional leagues". It's called the NBDL, a minor league of sorts.

[Bulldog19]

NBA does, in fact, have "lower professional leagues". It's called the NBDL, a minor league of sorts.

The D-League is one level. 16 teams with 9-10 players per team. Baseball has Low A, High A, Short Season Rookie, Double A, Triple A. Each MLB team probably has at least one of each. The A teams and Rookie teams may have more like 2 or 3 or maybe even more per MLB team. And that's 20-25 players per team. Quite a big difference...

[Berkman#17]

There are more lower levels in baseball than there are in basketball??? No way! What a revelation.

[Bulldog19]

There are more lower levels in baseball than there are in basketball??? No way! What a revelation.

You're the one who compared the D League to the minor league baseball system. Not me.

Gee, wonder what's harder to work through-- one minor league of 10-12 players per team and then the NBA or 6-7 minor leagues with 25ish players per team before reaching the MLB?

He better be a complete stud (as in better than Pujols by a long shot!) if people really think he'll be in the league in 2-3 years.

[sturg1dj]

You're the one who compared the D League to the minor league baseball system. Not me.

Gee, wonder what's harder to work through-- one minor league of 10-12 players per team and then the NBA or 6-7 minor leagues with 25ish players per team before reaching the MLB?

He better be a complete stud (as in better than Pujols by a long shot!) if people really think he'll be in the league in 2-3 years.

are you saying that because of his age or because you think players have to have 2-3 years?

Rick Porcello of the Tigers is player with one year of minor leagues and he is 20.


Griffey played when he was 18...so did A-Rod. Justin Upton played when he was 19.

He doesn't need to be as good or better than Pujols to be in the bigs in 2-3 years, he needs to be better than the backup at his position.

[KevinWI]

He doesn't need to be as good or better than Pujols to be in the bigs in 2-3 years, he needs to be better than the backup at his position.

quoted for truth

[Honus Wagner Rules]

are you saying that because of his age or because you think players have to have 2-3 years?

Rick Porcello of the Tigers is player with one year of minor leagues and he is 20.


Griffey played when he was 18...so did A-Rod. Justin Upton played when he was 19.

He doesn't need to be as good or better than Pujols to be in the bigs in 2-3 years, he needs to be better than the backup at his position.

Not to be picky but Griffey was 19 when he debuted for the Mariners on Opening Day, 1989.

[StanTheMan]

I think a kid entering the draft should look at the game as a career and not as fun. I know the idea of professionalism is wasted on the modern athlete, I would advise my kid to start acting like a professional now and not risk getting treated like a pariah as Gregg Jeffries was when he was with the Mets.

As far as Pujols, he should keep his religous views to hoimself and not force onto his fans.

He's getting/has an idea about an agent. He's trying to enter the draft earlier than any other player ever. He's too good for his competition right now. How much MORE can he act like a professional? If you don't like his high/low socks, his choice of bat or glove color, or his eye black deal with it. Those COSMETIC choices have ZERO to do with "acting like a professional." It seems as though you are a bit out of touch to me. He's more professionally dressed than Manny Ramirez... is he not a pro?

Pujols should not force his views on others? You mean the ones who went to him and ASKED him for something/autograph? That's deliciously ironic.

Maybe Pujols should just force his view onto others by using an anonymous MESSAGE BOARD for crying out loud.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

He's getting/has an idea about an agent. He's trying to enter the draft earlier than any other player ever. He's too good for his competition right now. How much MORE can he act like a professional? If you don't like his high/low socks, his choice of bat or glove color, or his eye black deal with it. Those COSMETIC choices have ZERO to do with "acting like a professional." It seems as though you are a bit out of touch to me. He's more professionally dressed than Manny Ramirez... is he not a pro?

Pujols should not force his views on others? You mean the ones who went to him and ASKED him for something/autograph? That's deliciously ironic.

Maybe Pujols should just force his view onto others by using an anonymous MESSAGE BOARD for crying out loud.

That's not quite true. By the June 2010 draft Harper will be roughly 17 years and 8 months old. Ken Griffey Jr. was roughly 17 years old and 7 months old when he was drafted in 1987. But Harper will be beat Robin Yount by about one month. There have been many other players drafted as 17 year olds.

[abolishthedh]

Great discussion, and especially on the merits of leaving school early vs staying.

However, I have several points to make which will be new to the thread after reading through thus far.

1. After reviewing the photos in the SI carefully, and thinking about it, I suspect that he has a major upper cut in his swing. His bat is finishing way up behind his head, and if he was modeling his swing for a photographer for his typical swing and without a pitch thrown for him, then he has a significant uppercut.

2. Should this assessment of an uppercut be accurate, then Major League pitchers will carve him up like turkey on Thanksgiving.

3. Should he have trouble hitting Major League pitching, then maybe his future will be as a pitcher (with that 96 mph fastball). However, that could be some career he might have as a pitcher, because by the time he chose pitching as his forte, and stopped sleeping with his bat, then his arm will have survived the growth stages of youth.

4. Considering that Albert Pujols was not taken seriously by numerous scouts, including those for the Royals as Pujols developed under their noses, scouts have very limited credibility these days. The scouts couldn't appreciate a player who had a nice level but powerful swing, and they continue to gush over Adam Dunn clones. I love the profession of scouting for its idealism, but I wish their success rate would be higher these days.

[cardsfanatic]

I say "excellent move, young man."

He has nothing to really gain by staying in school. He has hype, teams salivating to get him right now... strike while the iron is hot, my friend. If I were in his shoes I'd do exactly the same thing and so would all of you "but, but, but... he needs his education!" people.

For 10-12-14-16-whatever million dollars he's going to get _just to sign_, I'm pretty sure he can afford even the most expensive of educations if he wanted it.

[sturg1dj]

Not to be picky but Griffey was 19 when he debuted for the Mariners on Opening Day, 1989.

How dare you!!!! haha


I would make the change but then it would render your post useless...which I would never do :rolleyes:

[Berkman#17]

Great discussion, and especially on the merits of leaving school early vs staying.

However, I have several points to make which will be new to the thread after reading through thus far.

1. After reviewing the photos in the SI carefully, and thinking about it, I suspect that he has a major upper cut in his swing. His bat is finishing way up behind his head, and if he was modeling his swing for a photographer for his typical swing and without a pitch thrown for him, then he has a significant uppercut.

2. Should this assessment of an uppercut be accurate, then Major League pitchers will carve him up like turkey on Thanksgiving.

3. Should he have trouble hitting Major League pitching, then maybe his future will be as a pitcher (with that 96 mph fastball). However, that could be some career he might have as a pitcher, because by the time he chose pitching as his forte, and stopped sleeping with his bat, then his arm will have survived the growth stages of youth.

4. Considering that Albert Pujols was not taken seriously by numerous scouts, including those for the Royals as Pujols developed under their noses, scouts have very limited credibility these days. The scouts couldn't appreciate a player who had a nice level but powerful swing, and they continue to gush over Adam Dunn clones. I love the profession of scouting for its idealism, but I wish their success rate would be higher these days.

1) Video says otherwise. High finish does not indicate uppercut....it indicates a high finish. Go to youtube and look at his videos. It's not an uppercut.

2) It's not accurate, but if it was, I guess guys don't improve in the minor leagues and adapt and learn. I mean that's the whole point of the minor leagues isn't it? To develop.

3) 96 is 96. But he'll be given a very, very long leash to do well as a hitter.

4) That's not accurate. Pujols was a pudgy Juco slugger with no position. He went to a showcase and hit nothing but line drives. Scouts thought his power was just metal bat power. One guy thought very well of him, but the Rays passed. Does that mean that scout has very little credibility? That is ridiculous; "scouts have little credibility". Hilarious. One guy means scouts don't have credibility? Adam Dunn clones? Like who? The love guys with light-tower power because you can't teach that. Love guys with speed because you can't teach that. Arm strength? Same thing. Send em to the minors and polish the rest of their game. If all they cared about was power, Chris Dominguez would have went #3 overall. But no, there are questions about his bat, other than the power. So he went in the 3rd. No "gushing" there.

Drafting and scouting is always going to be a crap shoot. Always. Saying the scouts have no "credibility" because Pujols was a 13th rounder is wholly innacurate and takes away your own credibility. You don't think the scouts and teams that employ them don't wish their success rate was higher too? I mean who doesn't enjoy blowing millions on guys that never pan out (Matt Bush).

[Berkman#17]

I say "excellent move, young man."

He has nothing to really gain by staying in school. He has hype, teams salivating to get him right now... strike while the iron is hot, my friend. If I were in his shoes I'd do exactly the same thing and so would all of you "but, but, but... he needs his education!" people.

For 10-12-14-16-whatever million dollars he's going to get _just to sign_, I'm pretty sure he can afford even the most expensive of educations if he wanted it.

Exactly. Throw 15+ million dollars at the "must finish high school" guys and their answer will be "what is high school?"

[StanTheMan]

That's not quite true. By the June 2010 draft Harper will be roughly 17 years and 8 months old. Ken Griffey Jr. was roughly 17 years old and 7 months old when he was drafted in 1987. But Harper will be beat Robin Yount by about one month. There have been many other players drafted as 17 year olds.

No.... it is completely true.

Find me a story about a 16 1/2 year old player attempting to leave high school, earn a GED, enroll in juco, to be eligible for the next draft. He's working on it NOW. Yet others post "he should act like a professional...." when it's clear they just don't like the kid for some reason. Sure, the bravado, the in your face-"ness" of his personality is abrasive, but to extend that as someof these posts have is silly.

[Michael Green]

I do not know exactly what Harper is going to do, but I teach at the college he will be attending, so this may help. The College of Southern Nevada has a high school that enables students to get their high school diploma while also attending college classes. So, when they finish high school, they also have finished at least a year of college. It has been a good, successful program. Whether that is how Harper will do it, I don't know. But he may well end up with a high school diploma at the end of it all.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

No.... it is completely true.

No, you said Harper is trying to enter the draft earlier than anyone ever before. By the June 2010 draft he will be 17 years 8 months old. He will be older than Griffey was when Griffey was drafted in 1987 and only a month younger than Robin Yount was when Yount was drafted in 1973. It sounds like Harper is a year behind in school.

[sturg1dj]

No, you said Harper is trying to enter the draft earlier than anyone ever before. By the June 2010 draft he will be 17 years 8 months old. He will be older than Griffey was when Griffey was drafted in 1987 and only a month younger than Robin Yount was when Yount was drafted in 1973. It sounds like Harper is a year behind in school.

If I remember correctly Jeremy Bonderman did exactly what this guy is going to do. He was drafted after his junior year after getting his GED.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

If I remember correctly Jeremy Bonderman did exactly what this guy is going to do. He was drafted after his junior year after getting his GED.

And there have been others as well. And lots of Latin players sign as 16 years olds and no one complains about that.

[Berkman#17]

Shawn Johnson hasn't attended high school in months. Seems to be working out ok for her as well.

[ol' aches and pains]

What's next for Scott Boras? Signing Little Leaugers on Saturday mornings?

[KevinWI]

What's next for Scott Boras? Signing Little Leaugers on Saturday mornings?

If either of A-Rod's kids were boys, they'd probably be signed to Yankee minor league development deals by now, with signing bonuses of course.

[dominik]

Great discussion, and especially on the merits of leaving school early vs staying.

However, I have several points to make which will be new to the thread after reading through thus far.

1. After reviewing the photos in the SI carefully, and thinking about it, I suspect that he has a major upper cut in his swing. His bat is finishing way up behind his head, and if he was modeling his swing for a photographer for his typical swing and without a pitch thrown for him, then he has a significant uppercut.

2. Should this assessment of an uppercut be accurate, then Major League pitchers will carve him up like turkey on Thanksgiving.

3. Should he have trouble hitting Major League pitching, then maybe his future will be as a pitcher (with that 96 mph fastball). However, that could be some career he might have as a pitcher, because by the time he chose pitching as his forte, and stopped sleeping with his bat, then his arm will have survived the growth stages of youth.

4. Considering that Albert Pujols was not taken seriously by numerous scouts, including those for the Royals as Pujols developed under their noses, scouts have very limited credibility these days. The scouts couldn't appreciate a player who had a nice level but powerful swing, and they continue to gush over Adam Dunn clones. I love the profession of scouting for its idealism, but I wish their success rate would be higher these days.

Here's a bp swing. Doesn't look like an uppercut, in fact I think his swing is very flat. Very good swing for his age, of course some adjustments have to be done, but this should be no problems when he works hard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d1R7OwZHVM&feature=related

[sturg1dj]

And there have been others as well. And lots of Latin players sign as 16 years olds and no one complains about that.

yeah but Bonderman is the only American to be drafted after his Junior year of HS. Latin players are a totally different ballgame because they are not drafted.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

yeah but Bonderman is the only American to be drafted after his Junior year of HS. Latin players are a totally different ballgame because they are not drafted.

I'm not sure why that matters. To me it's all about the age. Bonderman was 18 years-8 months old when he was drafted in 2001 so he wasn't particularly young for a high school draftee.

[sturg1dj]

I'm not sure why that matters. To me it's all about the age. Bonderman was 18 years-8 months old when he was drafted in 2001 so he wasn't particularly young for a high school draftee.

I guess you have a point that it shouldn't matter, yet it matters to many people. There are rules that make sure American athletes don't play professionally until they are 18 (there are some cases of younger), yet when it comes to Latin players most people are either unaware or don't care about the 16 year old kids getting signed every day in bunches.

it would make things a lot easier if they just made all amateurs have to go through the draft.



but with Bonderman I only mentioned him to show precedent for a high school player to leave before he graduates.

[TigerNation]

The above photo is from the SI article photoshoot. It's not nitpicking to notice that black mess all over his face that he strategically placed there to look "cool" for a photoshoot. It looks dumb. And you're right, he's 16 and likes to wear eye black, and he shows it...a lot of it.

That's how a lot of kids where it nowadays, he's not unique or doing it to show off or anything. Half the kids on my team where it like that.

[sturg1dj]

darn kids...when I was his age.....(10 years ago)

[Trickyhop]

That's how a lot of kids where it nowadays, he's not unique or doing it to show off or anything. Half the kids on my team where it like that.

Of course it's showing off. What else could it be?

[sturg1dj]

as soon as he becomes a pro I am sure someone in his clubhouse will let him know how stupid he looks.

[StanTheMan]

That's how a lot of kids where it nowadays, he's not unique or doing it to show off or anything. Half the kids on my team where it like that.

They where it like that where? The midwest? I don't think they where it like that just anywhere.... Only certain parts of the country do they where it like he wheres it.

[ol' aches and pains]

as soon as he becomes a pro I am sure someone in his clubhouse will let him know how stupid he looks.

I suppose it's too much to expect that Scott Boras might pull him aside and get him looking a little more professional, eh?

[Captain Cold Nose]

Of course it's showing off. What else could it be?

Creativity. You're going to use the eye black, anyway. Why not have fun with it? They're not emotionless robots and it's best they not be.