7th Inning Stretch with Scott Fragale - Not So Deep Thoughts: Is Strasburg For Real Or Another Sidd Finch?

Not So Deep Thoughts: Is Strasburg For Real Or Another Sidd Finch?
Posted by Tuff Stuff

Unless you've been living overseas or in Chicago, where the focus of every sports-related conversation begins and ends with the Cubs, you've heard of college pitching sensation Stephen Strasburg. You know the kid with the 102-mph fastball and a full repertoire of complimentary pitches to go with it and the command rarely associated with a collegiate power pitcher.

The Washington Nationals made Strasburg the top pick in the Amateur Draft on Tuesday and because Strasburg has Scott Boros as an agent, many are speculating it could end up costing the Nats more than $40 million to sign him. Strasburg went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA this season for San Diego State, leading the Aztecs to their first postseason berth since 1991. Should those numbers equate to a record-breaking contract offer from the Nationals, you betcha. Much like the collectibles hobby, the Nationals need a superstar-type player to rejuvenate a dismal franchise and Strasburg is just the guy to do it. While I wouldn't just bend over and allow Boros to hold the team hostage because he has all the bargaining power but ultimately I would do whatever necessary to sign MLB's next big thing.

Normally when a sure-fire prospect emerges like this and separates himself from the pack the way Strasburg has, you'll find at least one of the experts reserving judgement and pointing out the fact that he could fail to live up to the expectations. But that has not been the case with Strasburg, as I have yet to find one expert focussing on a potential weakness. Very rarely, but sometimes, an athlete comes along and lives up to all the hype and Strasburg appears to be that guy. And he's right on time for both MLB and the sports collecting world who could both use a much-needed shot in the arm. Hopefully, the whole contract issue will be resolved quickly and we can all welcome the young phenom to a ballpark and an autograph signing appearance near you real soon.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 3:19:40 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

Comments [1]

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 10:29:14 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)

I really hope the Nats can sign Strasburg. The Nationals are lacking star power. Its obvious they really need help with their pitching department. I go to Nationals spring training camp in Florida every year. I have been lucky to get autographs from Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman. I could imagine how excited the fans will be if Strasburg is signed. This is great for baseball.

Lukas

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