Nats Links: Bryce Harper sells tickets
Of course we mean that in more than one way. The young phenom former first overall draft pick sells tickets by being on the Washington Nationals roster. Just like side kick pitcher Stephen Strasburg. It helps that both of these young stars are central to the Nationals roster build orchestrated by GM Mike Rizzo. Furthermore, both are central to helping the Nationals to the winning ways that saw their first division title, first playoff appearance, and best record in Washington baseball history.
It goes beyond playing baseball for Harper. Harper was literally helping to sell baseball tickets.
Via his Twitter account, Harper asked fans to phone in and "ask for Bryce." I'm not sure if the Nats were recording any of the conversations Harper had, but at least a couple of them must have been amusing. He engaged fans for at least an hour, maybe a couple of hours, so it's not like he was working his fingers to the bone taking down names, credit card numbers and the names of first born. That's what season tickets cost these days, right?
Harper tweeted at the end of his office day.
Thanks for all the calls! I'm out of the office for the rest of the day but keep placing your season ticket orders by calling 202-675-NATS!
Gotta love Bryce Harper. The character of the kid continues to grow.
The Nats were off from the Grapefruit League yesterday. Won't stop us from posting updated Grapefruit League stats leaders for the Nats. You can view those at bottom of this post.
Tom Blaz from DC Pro Sports Report writes on the Nats final 8 roster reduction and his prediction for who will receive the Davey Johnson ax.
One thing that is clear is the Nationals outfield appears set. Then again, it appeared set from day one of spring training. Your starters of course will be Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth, and Denard Span. Your reserves will be Tyler Moore and Roger Bernadina. Steve Lombardozzi can play in the outfield as well.
Ryan Sullivan writes on the three concerns he sees for the Nats this season. Only one I agree with. The improved National League East, especially the Atlanta Braves, will be a challenge for the Nats. I suspect we will see a Nats and Braves race to the finish. I really have two concerns. Besides the improved division, managing expectations will be a balancing act for skipper Davey Johnson. Last season the Nats ran to the division title with little to no expectation of such a run. Now, the Nats head into the 2013 season as the favorites, they have been written about across the MLB beat scene as the best team in baseball, and skipper Davey Johnson declared a World Series or bust. Those are big expectations. Huge expectations. And a young baseball club. That is what Johnson will need to manage effectively.
Federal Baseball writes on one of the Nats demotees, Erik Davis. Davis was acquired from Arizona two seasons ago as a starting pitching prospect. He has since made the move to the bullpen and has the eye of Davey Johnson. If the Nats need an additional arm in the bullpen this season, don't be surprised if Davis gets the call.
OF Roger Bernadina returns to Nationals camp from Team Netherlands, where he played in the World Baseball Classic. Bernadina enjoyed his time with Team Netherlands.
“What a great experience to play for the Dutch team,” Bernadina, whose nickname is “The Shark” wrote on twitter late Monday night. “Happy to be part of this team, thanks for the support guys, the shark self…”
