2010 MLB Draft Results: Is Bryce Harper the Most Intriguing Prospect Ever?

He wears eye-black down his cheeks like a war hero. He knocks 500-foot home runs. He left high school two years early to pursue his MLB Career. On top of all that, the 17-year-old catcher/outfielder is paired with baseball's arguably most hyped pitcher to rebuild a wounded franchise.

These are only some of the interesting facts that surround Bryce Harper as he begins his quest for MLB stardom after being selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Nationals. The young power hitter offers so many features that it is almost impossible not to be intrigued with his potential and personality.

Ever since the day I read Todd Verducci's Sports Illustrated cover story on Bryce Harper last summer, I couldn't help but fall in love with the adolescent phenom. He provides everything a baseball fan loves: power, speed, and an unquestionable love for the game.

Since the day I found out about Harper, he's proceeded to live up to my huge expectations for him. For Southern Nevada this season, he's embarrassed NJCAA pitchers en route to smacking 29 home runs and 89 RBIs in just 62 games. The kid is two or three years younger than the players he's going up against and is still dominating.

The thing I love most about Harper is his certain brashness.

Sometimes, instead of wearing batting gloves, he'll cover his hands in dirt from the batters' box. Seeing a massive power hitter like Harper come into the box and proceeding to put dirt all over his hands has to be one of the most intimidating sights a pitcher can witness. I'd love to see Harper continue this practice, but I'm sure veterans of the game would severely look down upon the action.

Harper's ascension to the big leagues will probably take a good two to three years, but his trip will be an exciting one. The Nationals already having Stephen Strasburg and a somewhat solid nucleus of players will allow for Harper to adjust to big league baseball at a good pace.

When he arrives in the majors, his debut will have to rank up there with other top hitters' first appearances. Harper has that Ken Griffey Jr./Alex Rodriguez/Joe Mauer buzz around him that will make his debut one of the most memorable in the history of the game.

However, ESPN's Bobby Valentine brought up a good point about Harper.

He points to the fact that Harper's life has revolved around baseball since he was under the age of 10. He left high school two years early and spent barely any time in college. With all the baseball Harper has already played, one can only hope he doesn't get burnt out, stagnating his progress along the way.

During interviews, though, Harper shows a genuine love for the game. He also shows maturity beyond his years, something he has to have after going through everything he's already been through.

While tonight marks Strasburg's debut for the Nationals, Harper's debut will surely be met with a similar hype once he gets through the farm system. With all the hype and intrigue that surrounds him, let's hope he can live up to the already huge expectations given to him.