We hope you are enjoying our 2009 draft coverage so far. There is a ton of information that is being rolled out this week so try to keep up. For just a moment, I’m going to steer away from 2009 and look ahead to 2011. If you haven’t heard of Bryce Harper, then it’s time to hop on the bandwagon–since Stephen Strasburg’s is so large, there’s still room to fit a couple of more people on Harper’s.

Harper is arguably the most anticipated high school prospect in … well, ever. He is a lefthanded-hitting, sophomore catcher from Las Vegas High and was a first team All-American this year. Unfortunately for him and his teammates, Las Vegas was eliminated from the playoffs after being beat by Bishop Gorman High, also of Las Vegas, on Saturday. Bishop Gorman is currently No. 5 in our high school poll.

I just received Harper’s stats for the season (including playoffs) and they are nothing short of spectacular. Try to digest this. He hit .626/.723/1.339 in 115 at-bats. He had 22 doubles, nine triples and 14 home runs, eight of which came in his last seven games. He scored 76 runs while driving in 55. He walked 39 times and struck out just five. He also stole 36 bases in 39 attempts and ended the season on a 23-game hitting streak.

You can be assured that he will be on our worksheet when choosing postseason All-Americans.