It has been quite some time since there has been such a highly touted prospect coming into the Majors. I think the last one that really garnered as much publicity as Harper was probably Ken Griffey Jr., in what like 1988 or 89? Let's just say that it has been quite a long time.
On top of the arrival of Harper has been the sudden rise of Mike Trout. Trout did not have quite as big an entrance into the Major Leagues. When he was called up last year for the Angels, I am sure most fans were wondering who this 19 year old was that was playing in the outfield. Why would the Angels call up such a youngster when they had quite a few older players who may have been just as ready.
The reason is that Mike Trout is a freak of nature. Baseball people always talk about the 5 tools that big time players possess. Trout has all 5 and probably a few more. Everyone saw that incredible catch he made in Baltimore just a little while back. That may well be the best play of the first half of the season. This past Sunday I saw Trout hit a ball that I swear would have hit the moon had it been dark out. The guy just has it all.
Don't get me wrong though, Harper is gonna be one hell of a pro. I think he has the ability to make 10-12 All-Star appearances and maybe someday win either a batting title, a home run title or even both. He has other worldly ability that you just don't see in every 19 year old. I think this years all-star nod probably could have gone to somebody else, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt because I know he is who the fans want to see.
The biggest thing that separates Trout and Harper is that Trout has a better all around game than does Harper. Harper is still learning the outfield and major league pitching. Trout was born to be a center fielder and therefore has an edge as far as being prepared longer. Also, Harper has a ton of pressure on him and though I think he should have no intense problem proving the doubters wrong, he will have it much harder than Trout will.
Another thing to consider is the teams to which these two young guns belong. The Angels have been a rather good franchise for the past decade or more and the Nationals have been a cellar dweller in the NL East for as long as I can remember. Trout is gonna have an opportunity to have big name bats with him in the line-up which means that he will have better chances for good at bats. Pitchers will not challenge Harper if he has some scrub batting behind him all the time.
Whatever the case, there is one thing that is certain. I don't think it would be possible, barring some unforeseen nuclear war, that one of these two guys doesn't end up in the Hall of Fame. Both young men are going to have the opportunity to be there when their careers are done. I hope that they both end up making it, because I would love to see both of these guys have outstanding careers. I think if I had to make a guess as to if they make the Hall of Fame. I would give Trout an 85% chance and Harper a 70% chance. Remember though, this is still their rookie seasons!
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