Bryce Harper thinks he can make Nationals
Bryce Harper - OF - Washington Nationals
Feb. 7, 2012 - 9:45 PM ET
Bryce Harper told Bill Ladson of MLB.com that he thinks he has a legitimate chance of making the Nationals' Opening Day roster.
"I feel really positive about going to Spring Training this year," said Harper. "I really feel I have a legit shot at making the club. ...I've been working my butt off this offseason, getting ready to go out there and doing outfield stuff, working on running and jumping -- everything that consists of trying to make this team. To have Davey on my side, that a very big plus going in there." We wouldn't expect him to say much different, but Nationals manager Davey Johnson has made it pretty clear that he wants the 19-year-old on the Opening Day roster. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo plans to keep an open mind about his status, but we still think he'd have to have a terrific spring to justify starting his arbitration clock so soon.
Source: Nationals.mlb.com