Bryce Harper is a winner! Or something.
From MLB.com comes word that the 18-year-old outfield prospect led his Scottsdale Scorpions over the Peoria Javelinas Saturday in the championship game of the Arizona Fall League. Harper drove in a run in the 3-2 victory, capping off a truly impressive fall campaign in the prospect-packed AFL.
Harper finished up with a .343 batting average, .410 on-base percentage and .629 slugging percentage over 35 at-bats. He hit three doubles, two triples and a home run, also stealing a base and drawing four walks.
The Nationals were hesitant about sending Harper to the desert this fall because they were worried he might flop against a steep level of competition. But he proved more than capable and should be allowed to kick off the 2011 season at a high level of Single-A.
If all goes according to plan, Harper should be able to climb his way to Double-A by the end of the new year.