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The Race for Bryce Harper

If Bryce Harper truly is the next chosen one than it's time to keep your eyes open as there is a race going on. A few months ago it all but seemed like a formality that the Washington Nationals would wind up drafting first for the second time in two seasons. But amidst a season of ineptitude the Nationals threw a crux in their last place hopes by winning 8 straight games. Now instead of a guaranteed slot at the top of the draft, they now must conduct a 5 week race with the Kansas City Royals. The Royals sit just 3.5 games in front of the Nationals, a lead which could very easily be given away if say Zach Greinke was shut down.

So how have the Royals managed to enter a discussion that everyone thought was already set in stone? Well a 10-26 record post All-Star Break is a start, as is the Nationals 18-20 mark since the break.

The combination of the Royals miserable play, the Nationals little up tick in play as well as the American League's overall superiority to the National League, this race is far from done.
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rakeback said…
The #1 picks in baseball have historically not produced great results. The names Brien Taylor and Ben McDonald immediately come to mind. I think this kid has all the talent in the world a la Josh Hamilton, but he is far from a sure thing!
10:13 PM
michael gilchrist said…
The only chance small market teams have to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox is to draft well and develop a great farm system like the Brewers have done with their young talent. Maybe the Nationals can develop some talent and compete with the big boys in a few years.
12:23 AM
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