Washington Nationals: 2010 Draft Watch: Bryce Harper/Jameson Taillon.

by Patrick Reddington on Feb 9, 2010 2:45 PM EST

It just so happens that two of the potential 2010 no.1 overall draft picks, Bryce Harper and Jameson Taillon were both in the news on Monday, with Harper's coach at the College of Southern Nevada talking about starting the season with Harper on the team while Taillon took the mound to throw his first pitches of his draft year in a scrimmage, the results of which made the rounds on Twitter.

CSN Coyotes' coach Tim Chambers was quoted Monday, in an article by MASNSports.com's Byron Kerr entitled, "Bryce Harper Update from College Coach", describing his early impressions of 17-year-old catcher Bryce Harper's power:

"He has 10 hits so far and most of them are for extra bases. His home run Friday was the first one I have seen over the center field wall, (Coach Chambers has been at CSN for 11 years) which is 400 feet to dead center and it's a 20 foot wall. It was a bomb."

In 8 games for the CSN Coyotes, Harper's hitting .323 with a .405 OBP, a .677 SLG, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR's, 9 RBI's and 2 stolen bases.

According to a Twitter post by Andy Seiler, who writes Andy Seiler's MLB Draft Blog, high school pitcher Jameson Taillon threw his first pitches of 2010 last night for the Woodlands High School baseball team:

"Jameson Taillon debuted tonight for a 2 inning scrimmage outing. Peaked 97, high 80s change. Stands filled with notable scouting names."

No word on whether any Washington Nationals' scouts were in attendance, but the 18-year-old right-hander considered by some the best pitcher available in the Draft is at or near the top of most lists of 2010 Draft prospects after Taillon went (8-1) with a 2.82 ERA and 95 K's in 56 IP last season...

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1+ for the Harper bandwagon!

Orakpo!!! Russel Okung next year!

by Horcasitas4 on Feb 9, 2010 4:50 PM EST reply actions

He's totally the next LeBron...

Just like Viktor Kozlov was the Russian Mario Lemieux or Vincent Lecavalier was hockey’s Michael Jorda…No? Not feeling the hockey references….

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on Feb 9, 2010 5:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Or Ovechkin is teh awesome-est and the new LeBron.

Just saw that poll on ESPN.

Hey Ed, Sunday was quite the day, eh? Caps smacked yer Penguins, but what a game.
AND the Saints won the Super Bowl!!!
Or as the Saints’ longtime announcer said: “Pigs have flown! Hell has frozen over! The Saints have won the Super Bowl!!”

by MissB on Feb 9, 2010 8:13 PM EST up reply actions

Still recovering from Sunday...

Waited approx. 29 years for that Saints’ win!! Regardless of who won that Pens/Caps game was great, with the best crowd for hockey i’ve ever heard outside of Montreal or Toronto…way to go Caps fans.

And to have such a good game for the Super Bowl…what more could you ask for…except Spring Training to start…

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on Feb 9, 2010 8:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

9 days till pichers and Molina's report!

"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.

by Mezza on Feb 9, 2010 9:02 PM EST up reply actions

Barring an Injury or a belief that he won't sign It has to be Harper

It might not be as surefire as this season, but the Nats need an impact bat and Harper fits that mold regardless of the position. I don’t you can find another impact bat like that later in the draft, but you will be able to add good young pitching (especially if they are willing to go over slot).

by Steve Shoup on Feb 9, 2010 6:04 PM EST reply actions

I just worry about his age....

How will a precocious 18-year-old react when told he’s being sent to Class-A Potomac yo start the season?

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on Feb 9, 2010 8:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Plus, for a team that needs help now, drafting someone who might not surface...

….for 5-6 years is questionable…Those are my only hesitations do far…

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on Feb 9, 2010 8:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

H.S. guys worry me too

But he is in community college and if I’m not mistaken they play with wood bats (though someone might need to check me on that). From all reports Harper is the type of bat that should be in the majors in 2 years, like a Justin Upton. Now obviously they shouldn’t rush him a la BJ Upton, but I just have a feeling he can handle it.

I would def. take Harper over any H.S. pitcher where I think you see a lot of them fail to deliver on their promise. And right now there aren’t any college bats worth taking 1st overall. Its obviously a long spring until draft and rankings could change, but as long as you believe he can move quickly you got to grab him.

by Steve Shoup on Feb 9, 2010 10:16 PM EST reply actions