It appears the ongoing spring training question of whether Washington Nationals uber prospect Bryce Harper will make the big league team out of camp or not has been answered. Via Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post:
The Nats optioned Bryce Harper to AAA Syracuse. He will not the opening day roster, officially.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) March 18, 2012
As Kilgore notes, Harper will being the season with Class AAA affiliate Syracuse. In his last five spring training games, Harper struggled mightily, batting three for 17 with nine strikeouts, most likely making the decision to place him in the minors much easier on Mike Rizzo and the ball club. In nine total spring games, Harper was eight for 28 with two doubles, two walks and 11 strikeouts. All that being said, don't be surprised to see the hitting phenom in a Nationals uniform by June.
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