Over a year ago on June 3, 2009, when Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci wrote his SI cover story on Bryce Harper, a then-sixteen-year-old sensation who was given the unfortunate label of being "Baseball's LeBron", the Nats Farm Authority's Brian Oliver added a note to the end of a post entitled, "The Next Big Thing", which linked to Mr. Verducci's article, writing:
"Keep in mind that the Nationals drafted his older brother Bryan out of high school in the 31st round of the 2008 draft, so suffice it to say they’ve been around Bryce."
SI.com's Jon Heyman (@si_JonHeyman) posted the same info on Twitter this morning, noting simply:
"#nats took bryce harper's brother bryan, a lhp, in 31st rd in '08. strategically, it couldnt hurt to draft him again"
The 6'5'' left-hander was taken with the 931st pick in the 31st Round of the '08 Draft (according to The BaseballCube.com's profile), but he was one of 20 players selected (of 50 picks overall, including the Nats' 1st Round pick and current KC Royals' prospect, Aaron Crow) who chose not to sign with Washington.
As Bryce Harper dominated the coverage of the CSN Coyotes' this year, his older brother Bryan quietly put together a solid season, going (10-1) with a 2.18 ERA in 15 games, 10 starts and 57.2 IP over which the 20-year-old lefty walked 25 (3.90 BB/9) and struck out 88 (13.73 K/9) while holding opponents to a .194 BAA.
Will the Nationals take another chance on Bryce's brother?