In the Bigs at 17 | The DawgHouse

   A few weeks ago Sports Illustrated had an issue that featured Bryce Harper, a 16 year old baseball player out of Las Vegas who has been called "the most exciting prodigy since LeBron."

Quoting Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci: "Still only 16, Harper stands 6'3", weighs 205 pounds, has faster bat speed than Mark McGwire in his prime and runs so fast that he scored on wild pitches six times this season from second base. As a catcher he picks off runners from his knees, and when he pitches, he throws a fastball that has been clocked at 96 mph."

   Now just two weeks later, his father has announced that his son will forgo his final two years of high school and use a GED to enroll in a community college this August. This plan would would make Bryce eligible for the 2010 draft, meaning he will most likely be one of the youngest #1 picks. Think about it, people, he's only been able to drive by himself for 8 months now!

   So, is this a good decision or bad? I have mixed feelings. Part of me says "Hey, get paid as soon as possible! If you've got what it takes at 17, GO!" But the other part of me is pessimistic. What IF he fails? That means that he's missed 2 years of fun at high school for something that only lasted a few seasons. This time of your life is for living, and you should spend the time you've got with friends and family. I don't really think that much will change two extra years. If anything, he should get even better.

   What do you think? Should Harper go pro at 17 or wait until he's out of high school?

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