Bryce Harper: A Timetable for His Anticipated Nationals Debut

If you haven't heard of Bryce Harper by now, you've missed out on watching one of the most hyped baseball players of all time.

Featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated when he was in high school, Harper instantly became a sensation. He was selected with the first overall selection in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft by the Washington Nationals at just 17 years old. 

The catcher-turned-outfielder has done nothing but excel since entering the Nationals minor league system. He spent the first 72 games of the season in Single-A Hagerstown, where he hit .318/.423/.554 with 14 home runs and 17 doubles. 

Harper was then promoted in early June to Double-A Harrisburg, where his production dropped off slightly. He played in 43 games, hitting .256/.329/.395, before he injured his hamstring, ending his 2011 season two weeks early. 

The young slugger was selected to play in the 2011 XM Futures Game, where he played with and against the top prospects from around the league. He went 0-4, but it was still a great accomplishment to even be playing in the game.

The Nationals decided that it would be beneficial for Harper to play in the Arizona Fall League, where he can continue to develop. He is playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions alongside other top prospects.

Washington GM Mike Rizzo is not going to mess up what could turn out to be a very good thing in Harper. Rizzo also made it clear that even if the Nationals were in a playoff race, Harper would not be promoted. This "safe" mentality should continue into the 2012 season as well. The Nationals aren't likely to be contenders next season so there isn't any reason to rush Harper's development.

Harper should be a Spring Training invitee, as he was last spring, but don't expect him to make the Opening Day roster. Rizzo will most likely start Harper in either Double-A or Triple-A depending on his offseason and Spring Training performance. 

It wouldn't be a surprise for Bryce to be promoted to the big leagues around mid-August or during September call-ups so he can gain some pro experience before the 2013 season, where he should be starting full time. Harper could turn out to be a star but only time will tell.