The biggest problem I'm having with this is the expectation that Harper should be somehow "better" than other A players, as far as attitude goes? Why is that, because he makes more money or that he's so much better than they are?
1) He should. He's a 'franchise' player, he signed a bonus that reflects as much and like it or not his actions, good or bad, reflect on the organization whereas some 22 year old hanging on for dear life in the Sally doesn't have those expectations.
2) Even forgetting that standard, you don't often see the 'average' minor leaguer taunting the pitcher, admiring his HR's and staring down umpires.
I think this is a case of 'where there's smoke there's fire'. There have been any number of stories like this over the years, I think unfortunately Harper's been a celebrity since he was 14, told he was special just as long and buys into the hype...it's alot like Lebron when he came up, he's been told he's the best for so long that he buys it and carries an arrogance that can be annoying.
None of this takes away from the kids talent, his drive or his potential contributions to the Nats and baseball in general. What it does is take a little of the shine off his stardom, if he does turn out to be a bit of a jerk he'll be hated around the game rather than revered like a Pujols or Halladay. Unfortunate but true, hopefully this is just immaturity rearing its ugly head.
