The graphics on the MLB Network's Draft Preview had the 17-year-old College of Southern Nevada catcher/outfielder listed as an "outfielder" before the Washington Nationals made him the no.1 pick in the Draft and announced that he would be an outfielder (most likely RF) for the Nats. Immediately following the Draft, DC GM Mike Rizzo, Assistant GM and VP of Player Personnel Roy Clark and Director of Scouting Kris Kline met with the DC baseball press to discuss their selection, here are the full transcripts of what the three Nats' executives had to say about the Nationals' selection in their opening statments:
Mike Rizzo: "The Nationals are very, very pleased to announce the first pick on the 2010 Draft is outfielder Bryce Harper from the College of Southern Nevada. We've scouted Bryce very, very thoroughly throughout the last couple of years, these two guys on the sides of me here were instrumental in putting the board together and we're very proud and pleased that this particular player is going to become a part of the Washington Nationals' family."
Roy Clark: "Like Mike said, we've been scouting him extensively, we think he's got a chance to be a special type player on the field and special person off the field. We are delighted to have selected him with the first pick in the 2010 Draft, but from this point forward, we would like to pick 30th every year and not [number] one."
Kris Kline: "I got to see Bryce play probably 20 games total including the fall, probably about 80 at bats, so we have a real high comfort level with what type of player he is, what type of player we think he's going to be. I think we feel that this is the only bat in this Draft that has the potential to be a three-hole hitter, and of course you know, hitting from the left side only adds to the value, so, he's a very special player, brings a lot to the table, and I think you guys are really going to enjoy seeing this kid playing in a couple of years."
• More From The Press Conference To Follow....