Bryce Harper: Nationals Rookie Will Meet Lofty Expectations

It's only natural for a rookie to have ups and downs in baseball's grueling 162-game season, but Washington Nationals phenom Bryce Harper has shown that challenges and setbacks don't hurt his confidence.

Largely regarded as a top-three prospect working his way up through Nationals' farm system, Harper's tremendous power, bat speed and arm strength was hard to ignore.

But it's Harper's unwavering confidence in his rookie campaign with the Nationals that stands to make his rookie season a success.

In his first two games against the Philadelphia Phillies in early May, Harper went a combined 0-for-7. In the third game of the series, he went 2-for-3, stealing home after Cole Hamels intentionally plunked him in the first inning and consequently making a statement: He would not be intimidated.

Headed into Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, Harper had gone a combined 1-for-18 in his prior four games. He then went 2-for-5 against the Reds on Sunday, scoring two runs.

On Monday, Harper hit the first home run of his major league career against the San Diego Padres' Tim Stauffer in the third inning. He hit it to dead center field. And it was a sign of things to come.

Harper still needs to adjust to the league. He isn't going to be a superstar in his first season. But there's a lot to like about his game, both physically and mentally. He's not letting his intermittent struggles disrupt his focus and ability on the field.

In his first season in the majors, Harper's average likely won't be spectacular, but he has good power already and he's hitting the pitches he identifies. I expect the 19-year-old to hit around .260 with 17 home runs, 60 RBI and 60 runs by the end of the campaign.

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