Bryce Harper: All Star

I know I'm not breaking any news here, but Bryce Harper is going to be at the All Star game as an injury replacement for Giancarlo Stanton.  DC fans are loving the announcement, coming shortly on the heals that Ian Desmond would not be going to the game because of a strained oblique.  National media has been less kind, with many claiming Harper does not deserve to go to Kansas City.

Well, lets take a look at the young Mr. Harper.

• .282, 43 R, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 10 SB, 27 BB.

Keeping in mind these numbers were put up during 63 games they are pretty respectable, especially when you consider they are coming from a 19 year old kid.

Mike Trout, age 20, is the main counter point people like to use when pointing to a deserving young All Star:

• .341, 57 R, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 26 SB, 25 BB. (Trout has played 64 games this season)

There is no arguing that Trout's numbers are better.  You'd be crazy to try and argue otherwise.  So now I'm going to tell you why Bryce Harper deserves to be in Kansas City...

It's An Exhibition Game
Don't get me started on the whole "this game matters' topic.  At the core, the All Star game is a glorified exhibition of the biggest Stars in baseball.  The All Star game is meant to celebrate the game and those players who make it great.  Often time these players are stars because they have the best statistics. 

Not always though.  Cal Ripken, Chipper Jones, the list goes on of players who go an All Star bid based on reputation and legacy.  It's like that in every sport, and I don't have a problem with it.  If baseball is going to make an exception with older players, why not younger?  It's not like they are trying to protect the "integrity" of a game were the starting lineups are decided by unlimited and unregulated fan-votes.

Give The People What They Want
Everyone talks about Harper.  There is no denying that:

• The seemingly inevitable Harper vs Trout discussion - Every Major Sports Show Does It!     

• Harper steals home on Hamels - National news!

• Clown Question, Bro? - Blows Up Big Time!

• Kemp say's no Harper in the Derby -  Controversy!

• Harper to the All Star Game - Bigger Controversy!

Harper is one of the most talked about players in MLB.  He is also one of the most exciting guys to watch on the field because of the way he plays the game.  Despite how "deserving" his numbers are, Harper is going to raise the excitement level and buzz surrounding the All Star Game, and really that is all MLB cares about.

Love It, Or Hate It...
Bryce Harper is an All Star.  Whichever side you fall on, there is very little someone will be able to say to change your mind.  All I know is All Star Games are suppose to be fun, and this one just got a lot funner (I guess that's a word) with the addition of Harper. 

Plus, as FP put in during last games broadcast, "He [Harper] will get to pick the brains of all those great players...see how they go about their business."  I think every Nationals fan can get behind that.