The Washington Times reports Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper declined to play for the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic because he wanted to focus on preparing for his first full season in the majors. "Coming off the year that we had, I just wanted to get back and get back in the swing of things in spring training," Harper said. "It's the first spring training that I can really be with the big league club. Hopefully in four years, I'll do the WBC then."