Bryce Harper is certainly one of the most animated characters in the league, and he just happens to be one of the most productive as well. Put those two together and what do you get? Some animated intentional walks.
No player likes being intentionally walked. While it is essentially a nod of respect to a dangerous bat, players want the chance to play hero in a dramatic walk-off fashion, or just simply adding to stats in regular circumstances. On Sunday, Harper was intentionally walked and was visibly upset about it (as was the Nationals colour commentator).
From the way he slouched his way into the box for a second before making his way to first, to his obvious frustration while standing on the bag, Harper was not pleased. Can you blame him? He’s been walked an absurd 36 times so far this season. They’ve only played 28 games. It’s hard to be productive when you’re only allowed to bat every once in a while, but Harper is still managing to find a way with 8 dingers on the year. He even hit a broken bat home run this season. How’s that for powerful.
Understandable, but we’d love to see what this guy can do if he was pitched to a little more often.
(H/T For The Win)
