First, it was saluting his opponent’s dugout as he circled third base after hitting a home run last year in a CSN uniform early in the season. Then, it was tossing his bat up 10 feet in the air as he hit a lazy fly-ball in the post-season tournament later in that season. Now, he's blowing kisses to the pitcher as he crosses home plate after a home run. My question is: When will the overpaid #1 draft pick of 2010 learn to just play the game?
He signed for just under $10 million and he has been excelling in Hagerstown, which is the Class A affiliate for the Washington Nationals organization. After his latest mistake which common sense should have told him that it was dumb for him to even think about doing it; he will likely know what it's like to be hit by a 90+ MPH pitch somewhere on his body (if he hasn't experienced that already). The 18 year old is showing his age and immaturity. The Washington Nationals will need to police him, and quickly, before their $9.9 million dollar investment becomes more of a liability.
Harper also might want to think about his childish antics before he does them because it could hinder his ability of moving up to the majors as quickly as he would like. The Nationals will not bring up someone who acts like they should still be in high school.
We all know Harper (and his parents) decided to forego his final two years in high school to chase the money. Everybody knows that was an investment move, but here's a thought: How about playing the game for the game and not the money?
Harper, you have the talent, use it wisely. If you sign a professional contract, the first word you should get to know: Responsibility.