Viera, Fla. Throughout the offseason, as the Nationals were linked to one center fielder after another in trades or via free agency, the idea of a long-term solution in-house was never really brought up. Sure, Washington sees potential in prospects Eury Perez and Michael Taylor — but neither is close to being major league ready and may never be.
All along it was assumed that top prospect Bryce Harper was ticketed for left field initially, or if the team needed to plug its yawning hole in center, it could put veteran Jayson Werth there and have Harper take over right field. But last week, in the middle of spring training, the Nats began using Harper in center field instead.
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It’s the start of a process that at least gives the Nats another option. The free agent class of 2013 looks strong with players like Michael Bourn and B.J. Upton hitting the open market. And you never know who becomes available on the trade market. But Harper moving to center gives the Nats a chance to put their best lineup on the field this summer — if he’s ready. They can always move him back later.
It appears the organization made a few discoveries this spring. First, while the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Harper is a big man already at age 19, he’s also an exceptional athlete. If he can learn the ins and outs of the position at Syracuse while working with minor league outfield coordinator Tony Tarasco, the Nats believe he can play there. At least early in his career.
“I didn’t see anything that told me he couldn’t do it,” manager Davey Johnson said.
The move was made in concert with Werth staying in right field and handing center to the trio of Rick Ankiel, Roger Bernadina and Brett Carroll. The team needs Werth to rebound at the plate. Asking a soon-to-be 33-year-old to play one of the sport’s most demanding physical positions seemed like too much of a risk when they soon could have a younger player to do it.
“I think center field’s easiest,” Harper said. “Playing left all year in Harrisburg, all year in AFL, I think that really helped me out. Playing right in Hagerstown. Center field is the easiest spot out there.”
– Brian McNally
