I don’t hate Harper. Maybe I see that word in a different light than you do. I don’t wish him ill - he’s just not among my favorites. But being out here in CA, I’ll watch him more often online and become more familiar with him.
I agree. Matt’s managing of the 2014 series against the Giants was not well-executed at all. He did us a great favor in that way. I don’t think he’s cut out to be a manager - at least not now.
My issue is more so with this line
“I think Harper’s antics were a major factor in Matt Williams (another of my favorites) losing his managerial spot... he helped make that clubhouse a nightmare”
1) I am not sure what antics one would be referring to.
2) Williams was the reason that clubhouse was so tight. Dusty Baker has created a much better atmosphere
3) Haper was the only Nat to show up in the ‘14 series vs the Giants. Meanwhile Matt Williams blew games 2 and 4 with terrible pitching decisions
4) Williams, rather then learning from Bochy in the ‘14 series, stuck to his robotic script in ‘15 and badly underachieved.
I just find the narrative around Harper tired because the guy is very un PC and speaks his mind, thusly breaking the “unwritten” rules of baseball