Baker compares Harper to Bonds: 'He's ahead of Barry'

Bryce Harper is only 23 years old, but his manager, Dusty Baker, worked with seven-time MVP Barry Bonds for close to a decade during his time with the San Francisco Giants and knows a star when he sees one.

After Harper hit a game-tying pinch-hit home run during a ninth inning come-from-behind victory against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, Baker compared the superstar to Bonds.

"Their number one similarity is extreme confidence. These guys have great vision. They seem to know what's coming most of the time and they have that kind of controlled aggression," Baker explained to MLB Network Radio on Monday. "Bryce isn't quite as patient and he shouldn't be at 23 years old as Barry was later in his career, but he's ahead of Barry at the same age of Barry's career."

Baker's statement about Harper being ahead of Bonds is arguable, with Bonds producing more offense through the first five years of his career, but he also debuted in the bigs at 21, while Harper came to the majors as a daisy-fresh 19-year-old.

First 5 MLB seasons

Whether Baker is right or wrong in his assertion, one thing is for certain: Harper is proving once again he's one of the best in baseball with his .323/.405/.855 slash line, while also leading all of baseball with nine home runs and 23 RBIs.