Stephen Strasburg Taking Over D.C.

I realize he just started his Major League Debut but comin' in hot late is my thing. The Washington Nationals superstar Stephan Strasburg has got more hype today than anyone in Major League Baseball in recent memory.After having one of the worst professional sports seasons of recent memory, Washington seems to be on the rebound with John Wall probably coming to the Wizards and the dawning of a new era with Strasburg.  The young stars of D.C. will be marketed like crazy and there will be a ton of kids in the DMV area that will rep their hero whether it be Strasburg, Wall, or Ovie.  I am personally excited to watch him perform and I really do think he will be the best thing in Washington D.C.'

I wouldn't be surprised if Strasburg struggles in his first star with more than 200 media personal in attendance (usually those type of numbers are for League Championship Series) but I think as the season continues, he will blossom into a pretty reliable pitcher. I am not ready to say he will be a Cy Young favorite in his first couple of years, but he will be a guy you can count on in the middle of the starting rotation. Another question that needs to be answered especially after the Nationals added power hitter stud Bryce Harper last night, will the Nationals be in the playoffs in the next three to five years? 

My answer would be yes. I joked years ago that in 2010 we would see a Tampa Bay-Milwaukee World Series (whoops on the Brewers end) but seriously, the Nationals will be a playoff contender in the coming years with the money coming in with near sellouts every time Strasburg takes the mound this summer/fall and the merchandise revenue that will come with it will lead to them being able to re-sign their prized possessions and bring in big name free agents. Although,Philadelphia still has a chance to be lethal for years to come but their pitching continues to get older, Florida could contend if they don't decide to blow everything up, Atlanta with Heyward, and who knows with New York. The NL East will be the most competitive division for years to come and the Nationals will be right in the mix, no more days of cellar-dwelling. 

I will predict Strasburg finishes with about 8 wins and 3 losses somewhere with a 3.85-4 ERA.  I know if Washington plays in Milwaukee and he is scheduled to pitch, I am making it a point to go to the game to see him pitch because I am buying into the hype that he is the next pitcher and I want to be able tell people I saw Strasburg pitch.

-Charlie.

The Anchorman Lands in DC

The biggest story before today's madness (trust me much more on that in a little while) was the fact that the Washington Nationals had signed their first overall pick Stephen "the Anchorman" (credited to Bill Simmons and Jack-O) Strasburg which in my opinion was great for Major League Baseball.

The reason being is a team who is probably headed for another top pick in next year's draft and it appeared that there was no way the Nats were going to be able to sign Strasburg. The other thing is maybe the Suit known as Scott Boras is actually a human being. If they wouldnt have signed Strasburg, the emotional state of the fifty-five Nats fans would have lowered it to about five Nationals fans. Now you got the excitement for the upcoming years in Washington D.C. for the Strasburg Era should be awesome and bolt their tickets sales once Strasburg is in the bigs. In addition, I think you have got to make Strasburg a starter if ready at the beginning of the 2010 year.

The one big thing that you have to pray to Andy Benes is that Strasburg's new head coach knows how to manage young pitching and maybe they created Joba Chamberlain-like Rules. If they get a guy like Dusty Baker then all hope is lost for Strasburg's career. My suggestion which you probably will hate is Ned Yost. You can remind me if I am wrong but Yost never got any of our young pitching. Usually it was the minor leagues that were screwing with the pitching. The Nationals really are probably five years away from being a playoff contender and a guy like Yost wouldnt be bad for a young ball club.

-Charlie.

Are You Ready For Strasburg?

It feels like I am ready to bring out D-Generation X with the whole "Are You Ready..." But in all honestly, Stephen "the Anchorman (credit to Simmons-Jack-O) Strasburg is supposed to be the next big thing in terms of prospects. Tony Gywnn, his manager for San Diego State feels that he could be the number one starter for the Washington Nationals (number one pick in the draft) and feels that he could be the number three starter for San Diego behind Jake Peavy/Chris Young, right now.

I think it is unreal that people believe that Strasburg is ready to be an MLB starter without any time in the minor leagues. I feel that is a complete ludicrous statement because going from college hitting to big league hitting is such a huge difference more than any other sport. You can make that leap in the NBA and somewhat NHL. I would compare it to starting quarterback right away in the NFL, only Peyton Manning was successful with that and I dont believe Strasburg can do that.

The other big story line swirling right now is the Nationals ability to sign Strasburg. They couldnt sign Aaron Crow last year who is the top five prospects for this year's draft. It will be interesting to see if Washington can make them a "Godfather" offer to make sure he will be the face of the franchise for the first four years of career and then becomes a Yankee haha.

-Charlie.