If Harper falls to #3, do we jump on it?

[DocJJ]

Questions:

We already have a super stud catcher, do we need another? I suppose he can be moved to 3B or the OF.

Do we want to spend the money it will take to sign him?

Most importantly- will he live up to the hype? Critics point out he hasn't played against top competition, and some even think the desert air inflates offensive statistics. Will there be other players available at #3 who can be as good for a lot less money?

[Stotle]

Originally Posted by DocJJ

Questions:

We already have a super stud catcher, do we need another? I suppose he can be moved to 3B or the OF.

Do we want to spend the money it will take to sign him?

Most importantly- will he live up to the hype? Critics point out he hasn't played against top competition, and some even think the desert air inflates offensive statistics. Will there be other players available at #3 who can be as good for a lot less money?

THese are very poorly thought-out criticisms, if you ask me. Harper has played against competition 2-3 years his senior for the past five years and has participated in showcases and tournaments across the country and even in some other countries. He's not playing against 3rd graders at Coors Field...

[Greg Pappas]

Originally Posted by Stotle

THese are very poorly thought-out criticisms, if you ask me. Harper has played against competition 2-3 years his senior for the past five years and has participated in showcases and tournaments across the country and even in some other countries. He's not playing against 3rd graders at Coors Field...

Agreed, possible attitude issues aside, Harper is considered a bona-fide once-in-a-generation talent, and has always been able to not only hang with kids his senior, but thrive doing so. As I have mentioned before, I'm a believer in Harper's talent, and would be incredibly excited to have him in our system.

[Frobby]

Originally Posted by Greg Pappas

Agreed, possible attitude issues aside, Harper is considered a bona-fide once-in-a-generation talent, and has always been able to not only hang with kids his senior, but thrive doing so. As I have mentioned before, I'm a believer in Harper's talent, and would be incredibly excited to have him in our system.

Eh, once-in-a-generation talent is a very overused phrase. So let's just say this: if Harper is available to us, and is still as highly regarded by next June as he is today, I would not pass him over just because the price tag is high and we already have a stud catcher. By the time Harper is major league ready, we can simply trade either him or Wieters.

How many years of polish will Harper need, do you think? I'd say a minimum of 2 (after 2010), and more likely 3.

[Can_of_corn]

Originally Posted by Frobby

How many years of polish will Harper need, do you think? I'd say a minimum of 2 (after 2010), and more likely 3.

If the kid is what they say he is he would be the O's starting 3rd Baseman by ASB 2012.

[Moose Milligan]

Definitely!!

But part of me wants to see what the ensuing fallout from certain posters is if we pass on him

[Stotle]

Originally Posted by Frobby

Eh, once-in-a-generation talent is a very overused phrase. So let's just say this: if Harper is available to us, and is still as highly regarded by next June as he is today, I would not pass him over just because the price tag is high and we already have a stud catcher. By the time Harper is major league ready, we can simply trade either him or Wieters.

How many years of polish will Harper need, do you think? I'd say a minimum of 2 (after 2010), and more likely 3.

He isn't as refined defensively as Mauer was and his approach is much more raw at the plate. If pushed to hazard a guess, I'd say your estimate is the optimistic view, with 4 years being most likely (arriving some point in 2014). It may not be at catcher -- third base and right field could become distinct possibilities.

[Hank Scorpio]

I will fall over with laughter (and some tears, probably) if they take the kid from LSU over Harper.

[Greg Pappas]

Originally Posted by Frobby

Eh, once-in-a-generation talent is a very overused phrase. So let's just say this: if Harper is available to us, and is still as highly regarded by next June as he is today, I would not pass him over just because the price tag is high and we already have a stud catcher. By the time Harper is major league ready, we can simply trade either him or Wieters.

How many years of polish will Harper need, do you think? I'd say a minimum of 2 (after 2010), and more likely 3.

The phrase may be overused, I don't know, but he is among the greatest prospects ever scouted. Time-tables are hard to gauge, but if Harper really is that good , 2-3 years seems reasonable. Justin Upton being a prime example. Regarding already having Wieters, I don't see drafting Harper as an issue. I'd love to have them both.

[Icterus galbula]

The money shouldn't be too much of a consideration with Harper's talent, and I have no problem having Wieters and Harper at the same time.

I also agree its still a bit early. I distinctly remember that last winter posters were expecting maybe Alex White or Aaron Crow at the 5 spot, and bemoaning the fact that Grant Green would surely be already taken.

[Greg Pappas]

Originally Posted by DocJJ

Questions:

We already have a super stud catcher, do we need another? I suppose he can be moved to 3B or the OF.

Do we want to spend the money it will take to sign him?

Most importantly- will he live up to the hype? Critics point out he hasn't played against top competition, and some even think the desert air inflates offensive statistics. Will there be other players available at #3 who can be as good for a lot less money?

"Falling" to three could be for a couple of reasons, and it would depend on what the reason was. Money? Certainly a plausible reason. Talent questioned after a so-so season against stiff older competition? Possible as well, but scouts should be able to make a sound judgment call on Harper's skill-set, regardless of the results this coming year.

I think Harper could be a truly great player, an A-Rod, or Pujols, or Mauer-type impact player, however, we will know more in June than we do now. I expect Harper will wind up going #1, but he could drop to us at three and be our next #1 pick. Time -as always- will tell.