“Bryce Harper is playing a new position this spring, which only expands the possibilities of how he can subvert the languid order of the game. There is a certain flow to major league baseball – especially spring training major league baseball – that seems to verge on etiquette. The action can unfold as if actors are playing parts: The routine single to the outfield. The obligatory turn at first base. The lazy toss back in. On to the next pitch.
Harper, even at 20 and even in spring training, stands in opposition. He makes you keep your eye on him, always, especially if you are his first baseman.
Today, in the fifth inning of a game the Nationals would lose, 4-2, Harper occupied left field at Osceola County Stadium. Astros first baseman Brandon Laird drilled a hard grounder to the left side of the infield. Shortstop Ian Desmond dove, and the ball deflected off his glove and trickled into shallow left.
Harper charged the ball. Laird made a generous turn at first base. From the other side of the field, Harper sensed an opportunity and fired the ball to first baseman Tyler Moore. Think about that: From left field, Harper threw behind a runner, trying to pick him off at first base.
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Adam Kilgore, Washington Post
Read the rest: “Bryce Harper makes a bold throw from left field”
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