Drafted in the 4th round (126th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 1997.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
Now that Ramon Castro is no longer eligible for this list, Harper has inherited the mantle as the Marlins' top catching prospect. He's a little older and has yet to distinguish himself with the bat, but injuries have slowed his progress. The latest was a strained oblique muscle that kept him out during instructional league. Harper missed the first half of the 2000 season after he tore a ligament in his right thumb blocking home plate and required surgery. He has added at least 25 pounds to his 6-foot-4 frame since signing. A classic catch-and-throw guy, he's solid behind the plate. Harper shows leadership and calls a good game. His intensity prompted at least one club official to compare him to a young Carlton Fisk. No one doubts his makeup. Offensively, Harper still is learning to use his hands more rather than rely on his thick upper body and shoulders. When he does make contact, he can hit balls hard to all fields. Like Castro, he has struggled to get past a pull-first mentality. Florida's signing of Charles Johnson to a five-year contract likely cuts off any chance Harper will have of starting for the Marlins.
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Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Miami Marlins in 2001
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