Bryce Harper 2018 and beyond

[catocony]

The knock on Robles isn't that he can't hit, it's that he can't hit for power.  Until recently, going back to the days of legal spitballs, a slick glove center fielder with a ton of speed and a cannon for arm was all you wanted.  If he could hit .275 and draw some walks, that was all gravy.  Now, they're expected to hit 20 homers as well.  That's a tall order.

With what the Nats gave up for Eaton, there's almost no chance they don't exercise both option years, assuming he's not injured.  He's actually playing well, and his contract is cheap. 

[imref]

The knock on Robles isn't that he can't hit, it's that he can't hit for power.  Until recently, going back to the days of legal spitballs, a slick glove center fielder with a ton of speed and a cannon for arm was all you wanted.  If he could hit .275 and draw some walks, that was all gravy.  Now, they're expected to hit 20 homers as well.  That's a tall order.

With what the Nats gave up for Eaton, there's almost no chance they don't exercise both option years, assuming he's not injured.  He's actually playing well, and his contract is cheap. 

that means playing Eaton or Harper in CF.

[Smithian]

The knock on Robles isn't that he can't hit, it's that he can't hit for power.  Until recently, going back to the days of legal spitballs, a slick glove center fielder with a ton of speed and a cannon for arm was all you wanted.  If he could hit .275 and draw some walks, that was all gravy.  Now, they're expected to hit 20 homers as well.  That's a tall order.

With what the Nats gave up for Eaton, there's almost no chance they don't exercise both option years, assuming he's not injured.  He's actually playing well, and his contract is cheap. 

I think Robles could develop power double digit homer power. He is still young and definitely has the ability to hit some doubles and clear bases. With his glove, legs, and arm we don't need him to hit like Soto to be valuable.  My hope is he turns into a reliable top of the order bat who competes for Gold Gloves in center field. Between 2013 and 2014 Denard Span only hit 9 home runs but he still was a force for the Nationals.

I still don't know how Harper has so much speed and athleticism but it never has shown in the field. I get they don't expect him to be a base stealer, but his defense has never been what I expected.

[imref]

I think Robles could develop power double digit homer power. He is still young and definitely has the ability to hit some doubles and clear bases. With his glove, legs, and arm we don't need him to hit like Soto to be valuable.  My hope is he turns into a reliable top of the order bat who competes for Gold Gloves in center field. Between 2013 and 2014 Denard Span only hit 9 home runs but he still was a force for the Nationals.

I still don't know how Harper has so much speed and athleticism but it never has shown in the field. I get they don't expect him to be a base stealer, but his defense has never been what I expected.

Robles hit 10 home runs last year between A+ and AA, so he's got some pop.

[varoadking]

I still don't know how Harper has so much speed and athleticism but it never has shown in the field. I get they don't expect him to be a base stealer, but his defense has never been what I expected.

You didn't so much notice the other shortcomings back when he had that laser arm...but that hasn't been present at all this year either...

[Jeff in Gaithersburg]

The knock on Robles isn't that he can't hit, it's that he can't hit for power.  Until recently, going back to the days of legal spitballs, a slick glove center fielder with a ton of speed and a cannon for arm was all you wanted.  If he could hit .275 and draw some walks, that was all gravy.  Now, they're expected to hit 20 homers as well.  That's a tall order.

With what the Nats gave up for Eaton, there's almost no chance they don't exercise both option years, assuming he's not injured.  He's actually playing well, and his contract is cheap.

I wouldn't worry about Robles lack of power at the minor league level. happens with a lot of guys and often they start hitting for more power once they reach the majors. He'll be pitched differently to here, coached better, and would be in a much better lineup and thus see more than his share of fat pitches to hit. I know Robles has had a pretty big sample size at the minor league level so far, but as a comparison Bryce only hit 3 HRs in 37 games at Harrisburg in 2011, and that's Bryce. And even if Robles doesn't end up having solid power in the majors, I'll gladly take a consistent .300 avg with doubles power and a good bunch of RBI.

[PowerBoater69]

@kayyharper8 Glad the game was cancelled with all this invisible rain.

Would have been an hour into the game already. Could have called it after 5 innings. No double header tomorrow. 🙄

Almost 8:30 and still no rain. Wouldn’t say its close but it’s cool.

We can agree to disagree. Going on 9 pm still no rain. That’s 2 hours of game time.

[Slateman]

Wow

[mitlen]

Wow

That sums it up.    I was gonna make a comment but thought better of it.    I'll leave it with a head shake  ....   

[Smithian]

Well, she is right

[PowerBoater69]

Well, she is right

Yes she was.

[GburgNatsFan]

Well, she is right

The Nats are bad at this, but she should shut up.

[Slateman]

The Nats are bad at this, but she should shut up.

This. This is freaking with your spouse's professional relationship.


She must have forgotten last season when her bae slipper on a base and pretty much ended his season. I'm totally okay with being cautious with weather.

Furthermore, no game should ever be started with the intention of only getting to five innings. The game would not have been called, it would have simply resumed today.

[Jeff in Gaithersburg]

Radar showed a massive amount of rain headed towards D.C. most of the night. Weather isn't an exact science and the team has to make a quick decision in that situation. They have screwed up in the past but I get the position they're in - if they start the game and it has to be postponed they look even worse and the fans are even more annoyed than they were last night. No win situation.

As for Kayla, that's her m.o. on Twitter. She whines and complains about everything. That tweet is pedestrian compared to some of her others.

[spidernat]

maybe she had alternate plans and the postponement spoiled them

[Slateman]

maybe she had alternate plans and the postponement spoiled them

Maybe she simply doesnt want to be in DC long term

[spidernat]

that's why the Nats should've traded them out of town

[Natsinpwc]

This. This is freaking with your spouse's professional relationship.


She must have forgotten last season when her bae slipper on a base and pretty much ended his season. I'm totally okay with being cautious with weather.

Furthermore, no game should ever be started with the intention of only getting to five innings. The game would not have been called, it would have simply resumed today.

She is as dumb as he is.  They are a perfect match.  Good luck to them in LA. 

[PowerBoater69]

Either you're hurt and leave the game or jog to first. What a display.

[HalfSmokes]

This. This is freaking with your spouse's professional relationship.


She must have forgotten last season when her bae slipper on a base and pretty much ended his season. I'm totally okay with being cautious with weather.

Furthermore, no game should ever be started with the intention of only getting to five innings. The game would not have been called, it would have simply resumed today.

You’re assuming that he didn’t known what she was doing beforehand. Do you really think either Harper gives a crap about their relationship with the nats?

[Natsinpwc]

You’re assuming that he didn’t known what she was doing beforehand. Do you really think either Harper gives a crap about their relationship with the nats?

Leave them alone; they are trying to male baseball fun again. 

[imref]

Harper is playing today.

[Slateman]

Harper is playing today.

Lame

[Slateman]

You’re assuming that he didn’t known what she was doing beforehand. Do you really think either Harper gives a crap about their relationship with the nats?

Maybe. I don't know. I just think she's young and has never lived in a world where she had to face consequences for saying stupid things on social media.

[Dave301]

Scott Boras chats with Jon Heyman about Harper: