Nats GM: Harper cocky, but not malicious
By C. Trent Rosecrans
Even before he was picked first overall in the 2010 draft, the Nationals' Bryce Harper had a reputation of rubbing people the wrong way. Harper's talent has never, ever been questioned, but his demeanor and attitude have been.
I saw it last year in a Class A game in Lexington, Ky., where he nearly started a fight by trying to bowl over a catcher despite having no chance of dislodging the ball, only to back down quickly. He famously blew a kiss at a pitcher after homering off of him last season, drawing scorn from many. Others have scoffed at his use of eye black and even the way he wears his hat -- and for Pete's sake, he named his dog 'Swag.' And then there's his Twitter account.
Bryce Harper Will Harper take A-Rod's 'most hated' crown? Would you rather have Harper or Trout? NL East spring position battles Last week Harper told MLB.com's Bill Ladson that he wanted to be a Joe Namath-type athlete off the field.
