Bryce Harper takes shot at Matt Williams, says Nats ‘finally have an All-Star staff’

(Getty Images) We know there’s no love lost between Bryce Harper and ex-Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams. The MVP-to-be and his skipper butted heads on a few occasions during Williams’ two-year stint as manager and Williams turned a scheduled off-day for Harper into punishment after the infamous dugout fight with Jonathan Papelbon.

Still, it’s somewhat surprising to see Harper take what seems like a blatant shot at Williams and the former Nats coaching staff, who were all fired after the Nats’ disappointing season.

Harper, 23, accepted the award for the NL’s Outstanding Player on Monday night during the MLB Players Choice Awards. When he was asked about the team’s dugout overhaul — which includes Dusty Baker as manager, Mike Maddux as pitching coach and Davey Lopes as first-base coach — Harper dropped a diss on Williams & Co.

Here’s the quote, via MASN Sports. Wait for the end:

“I think you see that smile on my face,” Harper said on MLB Network. “I’m definitely very excited to have him. Being able to play for a guy like Dusty, somebody that’s been there, been around the game for a long, long time. Played for the Dodgers early. Being able to do the things with him, try to learn from him. Also, learning from a guy in Davey Lopes, one of the best first base coaches in the game and one of the best baserunning coaches in the game also. I’m very excited for that.

“And also Mike Maddux, being able to pick his brain about pitchers and seeing the tendencies the other pitchers throw with. I’m very excited to have the team that we do. We finally have an All-Star staff and it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

The prime line here is, the Nats *finally* having an All-Star staff. Now, you could argue that maybe Bryce didn’t mean it like that and that a word like “finally” can get tossed around sloppily — especially by a 23-year-old.

But in this case, we’re not so sure. Harper isn’t a guy who’s new to being around cameras or giving interviews. He knows how valuable and volatile his words can be. Considering his past with Williams, it’s much easier to see this as a parting shot aimed at a manager with whom he butted heads. Completely warranted, we might add. Even if Harper said he loved Williams just a few months ago.

The rest of what Harper said about the new coaches? Well, it should at least feel encouraging to any Nats fan who questioned the hiring of Baker. If Bryce is happy with him, that’s a step in the right direction.

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