2011 MLB Futures Game: Will Bryce Harper Crack Under Media Pressure?

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Bryce Harper May Be Most Scrutinized Prospect in 2011 MLB Futures Game

There are a number of bright prospects on both the World and USA rosters of the 2011 MLB Futures Game. There may be no brighter young star than the Nationals’ Bryce Harper.

Harper is a young phenom who attained a GED after he was only a sophomore in high school in order to become eligible to play college ball early. He joined a conference that used wood bats to further prepare him for a professional career.

At six-foot-three and weighing over 230 lbs, Harper projects to be one of the best hitters in baseball once he reaches his prime. Harper was a catcher in his youth but the Nationals are grooming him to be an outfielder, as he has a powerful arm and would be able to have a longer career. They selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft when he was only 18 years old.

Will Harper follow the footsteps of other elite youth athletes who were pressured too hard by parents and given too much media coverage too early in their lives? Or will he flourish to reach his potential as one of the greatest hitters the game could ever see? We will find out tonight as Harper plays in his first MLB Futures game and faces some of the other elite young talent the league has to offer.

The media will be mostly focused on how Harper does and it could severely have an impact on the mental aspect of his game regardless of performance in game. Having every move scrutinized, even in a friendly match like the Futures game can weigh heavily on a young player. 

If he does well he might let the coverage go to his head, and conversely, if he does poorly, he may let it affect his game in a more direct and negative way. 

Whatever happens, watch for Harper to be the most talked about prospect in the 2011 MLB Futures Game, tonight on ESPN2.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report's baseball page for all of your up-to-date news and analysis from the All-Star Game.

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