Bryce Harper Should Be Invited to Participate in the 2012 Home Run Derby

The 2012 Home Run Derby at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, may not be until July 9, but that doesn't mean we can't start making some predictions, right?

While Bryce Harper may be just a 19-year-old rookie outfielder with less than three weeks of experience, I think it would be great for the game of baseball and its fans if he participated in this season's Home Run Derby.

He may have just two home runs on the season (through May 16), but there's no denying his ridiculous amount of power.

Proof?

Yeah, I can give you proof. Just click here to be amazed.

See? Harper can clearly hit some massive blasts. Those you just saw may have been hit with an aluminum bat, but the pure power he possesses could still result in some bombs.

Sammy Sosa currently owns the longest Home Run Derby shot in history at 528 feet, and I have a feeling that Harper could challenge that mark if he participates.

Having Harper participate in the contest would likely attract many more fans to the stadium for the weekend's festivities and would likely make TV ratings improve as well.

Bud Selig and Co. would get the perfect opportunity to market the game's next great star during the nationally televised event, and his likely success would only help to improve his popularity.

Then again, I could definitely understand why MLB may not want to include him.

Having a 19-year-old rookie show up 10-year veterans may not lead to Harper's popularity within the game, so we may not see Harper in the event for a few seasons.

I think it would be pretty exciting to see him compete in 2012, though.