Daily Rant: Washington Nationals OF Bryce Harper Needs Anger Management

The Washington Nationals put an end to their five-game losing streak on Wednesday after an 8-4 win over the Miami Marlins thanks to an impressive performance by 19-year-old Bryce Harper–who went 2 of 5 during the game with two home runs and three RBIs. While this may be one of the most impressive games of Harper’s young career, home runs won’t be the only thing the outfielder will be remembered for after Harper had another one of his frustrating meltdowns.

Harper was immediately ejected from Wednesday’s game for slamming his helmet into the ground after grounding out into a double play. Washington may have gone on to win the game, but Harper’s actions are just one of a few incidents we’ve seen during the 2012 regular season that seem like a reason to be concerned–including a time where he was forced to get 10 stitches above his left eye after he was hit in the face with a bat he broke in the dugout.

From breaking bats to slamming helmets into the ground, Harper has lost his cool more times than he should have throughout the season and the Nationals need to address this issue sooner rather than later. If Harper’s temper is this out of control at this age, who knows what it’s going to be like over the next couple of years considering he’s going to be placed in these frustrating situations plenty of times throughout his career.

As crazy as it sounds, Washington should strongly consider forcing Harper to take anger management classes during the offseason so he can learn a thing or two about cooling his temper. Harper has too much potential and value in the future for the Nationals and the last thing they want is to see their beloved outfielder miss time away from the field due to a suspension or ejection for one of these bonehead meltdowns that can easily be avoided.

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