The Inevitable

Yesterday, phenom Bryce Harper was optioned down to the triple A affiliate Syracuse Sky Chiefs. During a game, Harper went 1-5, with a double and four straight strikeouts. Manager Davey Johnson was quoted by those in attendance as saying the move wasn't because of Harper's performance in the game prior. The skipper wants the 19 year old to get some at bats in AAA and to get some reps in centerfield. Johnson also said the move was to prevent the inevitable storm of "naysayers" that would come with any sort of struggles Harper were to have. Johnson believes the Phenom can be the club's answer to the big question in center. It may be able to work. Harper is very young and very athletic, he's already changed positions once in his very young career (from catcher to outfield). He certainly wouldn't be the answer for a leadoff man but he could look like a Centerfielder of the nineties. In the mold of Andruw Jones with the Braves, a big athletic guy who can steal bases and hit bombs. If Ian Desmond can learn the leadoff role, Harper in center could certainly be a good allocation of his talents.