Let there be no doubt how much Matt Williams values hustle.
The Washington Nationals manager made the biggest move of his 18-game tenure on Saturday, benching rising star Bryce Harper for his “lack of hustle”. Harper appeared to run with less-than-maximum effort after tapping to the pitcher in the sixth inning of a 4-3 loss to St Louis.
It should be noted, however, that Harper had returned just two days earlier from a quadriceps injury and stood little chance of reaching base safely, even at top speed. Williams’s decision ultimately came back to hurt Washington as Harper’s replacement grounded out in the bottom of the ninth with the tying runs in scoring position. The manager still laid the blame on Harper for not being available, saying: “That’s a shame for his teammates.”
Accusing Harper of a lack of effort is odd, especially as Williams has praised the 21-year-old outfielder for playing with a reckless abandon that often results in injury. Also, placing all the blame on Harper rather than standing by his decision is a peculiar way for a managerial arriviste to stamp his authority on the clubhouse.
Williams spent the past four years coaching with the Arizona Diamondbacks, an organisation with a reputation for overemphasising hustle and grit. While insisting that everyone on the roster play their hardest is certainly understandable, continuing to value effort for effort’s sake and leaving players out to dry threaten to make his first managerial stint a brief one.
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