Bryce Harper: Predicting His Impact on the 2012 Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper's status with the 2012 Washington Nationals has become one of the hottest topics of Spring Training. He's one of the most talented prospects in Major League history, and it's no question that the Nationals would love to have him on their 25-man roster.

Apparently, manager Davey Johnson is willing to give Harper every chance to make the club this spring. Even though veterans like Mike Morse and Roger Bernadina will all have the upper hand on the youngster, Harper still has a shot. 

If Harper can have a strong spring, Johnson and GM Mike Rizzo will have no choice but to consider him for the Opening Day roster. 

Harper is somebody who needs to be playing everyday, no matter the level. If he plays well enough this spring to make the team, but not well enough to be a starter, the Nationals would be wise to have him play in AAA so he can continue to get regular at-bats.

Even if he plays well enough to earn a starting spot in right field, he would still be a serious work in progress. It's obvious that he has big talent, but he still needs more practice in the outfield, and could benefit from improved base-running and discipline at the plate.

Such things can only be corrected with a sufficient amount of playing time. Playing sporadically as a fourth outfielder in the majors won't do much to help his progression into the superstar player he seems destined to be.

The 19-year old is confident in his abilities, and given his manager's confidence in him, it's definitely a possibility that Harper will be suiting up as the Opening Day right fielder in 2012.

Harper's emergence with the team would have a direct effect on Jayson Werth, who would be asked to shift from his natural position of right field over to center. 

Werth, who failed to produce at a level reflective of the monster contract he signed prior to last season, would have a tough task playing center field everyday. In addition to dealing with his own transition, he would be asked to cover for the inevitable mistakes that Harper would make as an everyday outfielder.

Werth's offense, though, would benefit from Harper's presence in the lineup.

In 561 at-bats last season, Werth hit a putrid .232/.330/.389 with 20 home runs and 58 RBI. With the added protection of Harper, he would theoretically see an all-around increase in his production.

Having Harper on the roster would surely improve the Nationals offensive production. That being said, the defense would take a pretty big hit. 

The Nationals figure to be a much improved club this season, with or without the presence of Harper on the 25-man roster. The additions of Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson will be huge for the rotation, and the under-the-radar signing of Brad Lidge should help to solidify the back end of the bullpen.

The team won 80 games in 2011. With the additions of Gonzalez, Jackson and Lidge, the team could see its win total increase into the high 80s. With Harper on the team, though, that win total could increase even further into the low 90s. 

With over 90 wins, the team would most likely be fighting with the revamped Marlins for a Wild Card spot. Should they win the Wild Card, the Nationals could end up cast as a playoff sleeper in October.

There's no doubt that Harper will be a productive major leaguer when his time comes, but he could really be a valuable asset to the Nationals this season. Although he may make the defense a bit weaker, the offense and the bench would be improved as a result of him being on the team.