Sixteen

Take a look at the attached image.

The weird psych-out make-up aside, the guy is intriguing. And by "guy", I mean "kid". Bryce Harper is 16.

He's also just quit high school to join the major leagues. WTF?

Oh - with his parent's father's permission / encouragement. Double WTF?

Technically he's not joining the majors just yet. First he has to get his GED and pretend to get into/attend community college so he can get in the 2010 draft. And technically, he'll probably be 17 when and if he gets drafted or starts spring training.

Of course, who can blame the kid when at 15 you've been deemed 'the chosen one'? Who can blame him when he clearly has talent - pushing 600 home runs since starting playing baseball? Who can blame his parents for wanting to cash in on this ASAP?

I don't know - but someone should. Hopefully it will be Bud Selig. But most likely it will not.

What a frickin' bad message to send. Not that he'd ever be a stellar student, most likely, but how responsible is it to have a 16-17 year old play against 30 year olds? Who takes liability for looking after a minor when during 81 away games?

MLB can't even look after its adults, let alone children.

I'm hoping no major league team takes the bait and Bryce is stuck at DeVry for a few years. I'm not saying I hope he doesn't make it - but what is 24 months? Somehow I just have to blame the dad for this.

People have (and will) make the argument of LeBron James. Say what you want about him - he finished high school. People have (and will) make the argument that gymnasts and tennis players drop out as well. ....and how well is that working for 99.7% of them?

"....would you like fries with that?"

Bryce Harper - you're on career injury away from being on the permanent disabled list. At age 19. With a GED.

Welcome to your life.


Song by: No Doubt