Bryce Harper: Comparing the Nationals' Young Stud to Josh Hamilton

When I watch Bryce Harper play, I can't help but wonder if I'm seeing a reflection of what Josh Hamilton might have been if a car accident and drug-and-alcohol abuse hadn't derailed his career at a young age.

Now, I know what many of you are thinking—Harper is just a young pup who hasn't proved a thing yet, and even mentioning him in the same breath as the man who just blasted nine home runs in his past seven games is blasphemous.

But hear me out. The comparison is more apt than you might think.

Both were top overall picks with five-tool potential. Both showed immediate promise at the minor-league level, though obviously Harper has ascended to the big leagues faster than Hamilton would have, even without the car accident or addictions.

Let's compare each player's first season of minor-league ball:

Player	G	H	R	HR	RBI	SB	AVG	SLG
Josh Hamilton	72	96	56	10	55	18	.312	.510
Bryce Harper	109	115	63	17	58	26	.297	.501

The two have similar body types (Hamilton stands an inch taller at 6'4") and each has solid range patrolling the outfield. Each plays the game with a lot of passion and neither skimps on their effort.

Both have natural power, which will become more evident for Harper as he spends more time in the league and gains strength. Harper's swing isn't as graceful or smooth as Hamilton's—violent and spring-loaded would be more accurate—but the ball jumps off his bat in a similar manner.

There are aspects of the comparison that can't be accounted for, of course. We don't know if Harper's career will be riddled with injuries like Hamilton's, or if he'll remain a five-tool player or settle into a more power-reliant role later in his career.

We also don't know if Harper's brash, often arrogant personality will ever become popular with fans. Remember, it took years before Kobe Bryant was respected for his swagger and hard work rather than seen as the cocky villain of the NBA.

So no, Harper and Hamilton aren't identical. But if you were ever curious as to what Hamilton would have looked like as a young ballplayer in the major leagues, you can get a fairly good idea by watching Harper.

And if you want to see what Harper's ceiling might be, well, a healthy Hamilton is a good place to start.

High praise, indeed. But if Harper continues to work hard and stays healthy, the praise will be justified

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