Bryce Harper's skills as a catcher receive a surprising review from Jameson Taillon
On Monday, MLB insider Chris Rose and Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon discussed Taillon's baseball career so far, and Bryce Harper's name was also mentioned. Taillon was drafted number 2 by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2010 MLB Draft, behind only Bryce Harper, who was drafted as the first pick by the Washington Nationals.
The pair also played together for the under-18 USA baseball team in 2009. Back then, Bryce Harper was the starting catcher for the team. Many other stars playing in the major leagues today were also part of that roster, such as Kevin Gausman, Manny Machado, Nick Castellanos and Robbie Ray.
On Monday's edition of 'The Chris Rose Rotation', Taillon gave a surprising review of Harper's skills behind the plate.
"Super Solid. I threw to him against Cuba, and Cuba back then had Jorge Soler, which is a fun fact. He was just super into it. I haven't played with him since, but I just remember him being a baseball nut," Taillon said [13:44]
"I remember him as a catcher being super locked in, in the dugout, in between innings, talking pitches and sequencing, and being super into it. He was definitely the best player on the field everytime," Taillon added [14:00]
Bryce Harper speaks after Phillies' elimination
The Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated from the postseason after the New York Mets beat them 4-1 in the fourth game of the NLDS at Citi Field on Wednesday. The Phillies took the lead in the fourth inning as Bryce Harper ran in to score but couldn't hold the Mets. Francisco Lindor's grand slam in the sixth inning turned the game around and pushed the Phillies to the brink of elimination.
Harper talked to the press following the Phillies' loss and subsequent elimination.
"I mean obviously, we got a great group of guys in here, got a really good core, just wasn't able to get the job done. Every loss is kind of the same," Harper said [0:00].
"Every time you lose, and don't finish the job of a World Series, it's the same. If it's the next round or the World Series round, it all feels pretty similar. I wish I could have done more on a personal level," Harper added [0:09].
Despite clinching their division and getting a bye in the first round of playoff games, the Phillies ultimately came up short against the New York Mets. The Phillies star man's wait for an elusive World Series title continues. Phillies fans will be hoping Harper and Co. can regroup and come back stronger and more motivated to challenge for the title again next season.