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 More Nationals NewsNationals LinksBryce Harper will take his first professional steps on the road to the Majors this weekend with the start of the Nationals' instructional league in Viera, Fla. Harper, who doesn't turn 18 until Oct. 16, was the No. 1 pick in the First-Year Player Draft and signed a five-year, $9.9 million contract with Washington. He signed the deal on Aug. 17, causing him to miss a chance to play in the minors. "It's very important," Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said when asked about the instructional league. "We've got great instructors down there. ... We're confident that Bryce Harper will get started on the right foot. ... But [the instructional league] is secondary to getting out there and playing a full season [in the Minors]." |
