TOP 25 UNDER 25 - #15 Stephen Strasburg

STEPHEN STRASBURG - Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals

No one on this list entered their professional career with as much hype as this guy. Think back to when Lebron James was a junior at St. Mary's high school and was already being touted as the next Michael Jordan. Strasburg was not quite that hyped, but part of that is because baseball doesn't get the national media attention that it once did. Needless to say, the young flame thrower's beginnings were not short on hyperbole. Many scouts were on record saying that he was 'the best amateur pitcher they've ever witnessed', or that he was 'the most hyped prospect in the history of baseball'. Whatever it was baseball fans couldn't wait to get a glimpse of him.

Strasburg was very different from James in one regard - he was much more of a late bloomer. He was a bit of a pudgy kid entering his first year at San Diego State University, and didn't really garner much national attention until his sophomore season in which he struck out more than 130 batters in just 98 innings. By then his fastball was becoming the stuff of legend and he was developing his off-speed stuff to go with it. As a Junior he eclipsed 100 innings and struck out a whopping 195 hitters, including 17 in a no-hitter against Air Force. In a short span he had gone from virtual unknown to an absolute lock for the #1 selection in 2009. He also helped USA earn a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics.

The #1 pick fell into the laps of the lowly Nationals who immediately made Strasburg their #1 draft choice. Being represented by super-agent Scott Boras, the negotiations of his contract would not be easy, however. He held out until the very last minute, signing a record $15.1 million dollar contract - much lower than the fifty some million that some were projecting.

Despite rumblings from some in the media that he should head straight to the majors, the Nationals decided to handle Strasburg with kiddie gloves. He began his pro career at AA Harrisburg. His debut was so hyped that ESPN broadcast some of the game and there were more than 70 credentialed media in attendance. (If I had to venture a guess at the average Harrisburg media count I would put it somewhere around half a dozen.) He won that game striking out 8 and consistently rocked the radar gun in the upper 90s.

Last June 8, Strasburg made his big-league debut in what Sports Illustrated referred to as the most hyped pitching performance the game has ever seen. He did not disappoint the sell-out crowd, fanning 14 of the pathetic Pirates and pitching 7 solid innings for the win. His 14 Ks were a new franchise record, and he was the first MLB pitcher to have that many in his pro debut. On that night he also touched 100 mph on the gun twice.

Sadly, his 2010 season was cut short and he will miss all of 2011 since undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair damage to his ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. Nonetheless, his 2010 campaign was not altogether disappointing. 68 IP, 92 K, 2.91 ERA and he was named to the All-Rookie team.

Despite his thus far short-lived MLB career, Strasburg has enough hype and has shown enough flashes of brilliance to land in the top 15 on this list. His accomplishments may not be long but his star power sure shines bright. Only time will tell if he is able to bounce back and build on his budding legacy to become an all-time great. At the tender age of 22 he does have time on his side. One thing that may hold him back will be pitching for Washington. Hopefully, ownership there has the smarts to realize they have a once in a generation talent that fans want to see and take the right steps to building a contender around him. They've started that process by showing they are willing to spend on free agents, now they have to show they're capable of spending wisely.

Stephen Strasburg to get Tommy John

Stephen Strasburg is going to get Tommy John surgury and most likely miss next year in recovery.

This sucks for the rookie phenom. He made baseball somewhat interesting this year, and now he's not coming back for at least a year and a half. I think MLB teams should require their young pitchers to get Tommy John, because it seems like their better after that happens. This certainly sucks for the Nationals though. At least they got Bryce Harper.

Strasburg Calls Out Bryce Harper

The Nationals' Stephen Strasburg had some pointed words for fellow No. 1 draft pick Bryce Harper: "If he doesn't want to play here, then we don't want him here."

With the rookie deadline quickly approaching, I think it's pretty awesome that Strasburg did this. However, the organization is probably pissed. Strasburg's words did take some guts to say in regards to leadership and him being a rookie, however, they are also hypocritical based on the fact he signed his 4 year 15 million dollar deal last second with the Nationals. If Harper does sign the Nationals will be a very fun team to watch in the future with Strasburg, Harper, and Yunieski Maya all yet to reach their potential.

If he doesn't sign, that would be heartbreaking to DC, who is in need of an offensive player to carry the load.

Stephen Strasburg Goes On The DL

DP talked yesterday about Stephen Strasburg's injury, but it is going to be a little more then a day-to-day type of injury. The Washington Nationals have placed him on the DL because of inflammation in his pitching shoulder (retroactive to July 22). By sending Strasburg to the DL, they are able to activate left-hander Scott Olsen.

Am I worried about this? No, not really. I actually think this might be the best thing for him. He has never pitched 100 innings before and most likely if he the Nationals pitched him straight through the rest of the year he would've gone over it (54 1/3 already).

There is still a part of me that is a little worried. We see so many young guys who throw really hard die out before they are even major leagues. I worry that this 100 MPH arm might not be able to holdup. I really hope that isn't true, because it has been a blast watching him, and I want to see what he can do in a full healthy season.

Anyways, Nationals tickets are probably going to be going for about a buck, so if you're in the area should be easy pickings.

Stephen Strasburg Sits Out

Rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg was diagnosed with inflammation in his pitching shoulder after being scratched from his scheduled start for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night because he had problems warming up his prized and powerful right arm. ESPN

Owners of Strasburg in fantasy, DO NOT PANIC this is just a very precautionary drill. If Strasburg said his little toe was sore they would keep him out a start. He is so talented that the Nationals don't want to take any chances with this guy at all, and neither would I. He's a phenom and is going to be the face of baseball going into the "Pitching Era" and will be o.k. This kid has lived up to the hype and will continue to progress for a up and coming Nationals team.

In nine starts for Washington, Strasburg is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA, 75 strikeouts and 15 walks in 54 1/3 innings. WOW.

Merry Strasmas

Well I guess Stephen Strasburg has lived up to the hype last night as he dominated the Pirates. He got the win and pitched 7 innings with 2er, 3 hits and 14 Ks. 14 ks is absurd. I know it was against the Pirates, but that still is very impressive for a MLB debut.

The Nationals are shaping up to be an actually good team in the future. If Bryce Harper is the real deal, then the offense will be built around him and the rotation around Strasburg. My bold claim will be that the Nationals will win the NL East in 2 years and be fighting for a wild card spot next year.

Predict Strasburg's Stat Line Tonight

I usually hate buying into all the hype over a pitcher, but this kid could be the best we have ever seen. I have already said I am a believer, but there must be people who aren't. My prediction for tonight...

7 innings, 1 runs, 8 K's, 3 hits, 2 BB

I mean he is going against the Pirates, so odds are he should have a very good start. What do you guys think?

Stephen Strasburg To Debut June 8th

The Nationals have finally announced that Stephen Strasburg will make his MLB debut against Pittsburgh on June 8 at Nationals Park. Going against the Pirates is a great way to break Strasburg into the major, since they are basically a AAA team anyways.

There is so much hype around this kid that you have to get nervous, but from everything I have seen and heard this kid is the real deal. I expect that he will be a top 10 pitcher in the NL by the end of this year, and will be in the Cy Young race starting next year. Yea, the kid is just THAT good.

Strasburg, the No. 1 pick in last year's draft, is 3-1 with a 1.27 ERA in five Triple-A starts. In 10 minor league starts, including five with Double-A Harrisburg, Strasburg is 6-2 with a 1.43 ERA, with 60 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings.

Incredible. Who would have thought I'd ever be pumped about seeing a Washington Nationals game?

Strasburg Finally Lets Up A Run

Strasburg, who had not allowed a run in winning his first three Triple-A starts for the Syracuse Chiefs, went five innings Monday night against the Toledo Mud Hens, allowing five hits and two runs, one earned. He left with the score tied at 2, but his team won 6-3. There is so much hype around this kid that you would think he is going to be the best pitcher ever. Well, I'm actually buying into the hype. I hope the Nationals are careful with him and don't rush him too much, but it does seem like he is MLB ready.

Most pitchers have very up and down years their first time in the majors, but this kid is going to pass right through that. I think if the Nationals brought him up now that he could get 12 wins. I know, crazy right? On the fucking Nationals, but Strasburg just is THAT good.

Strasburg, Nats Come To Terms

Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals agreed to a record contract just before Monday's midnight deadline, a four-year deal that will pay the hard-throwing right-hander slightly more than $15.1 million. ESPN

This is the richest deal by 5 million and it would be fitting that Scott Boras got it done. With 77 seconds left to the deadline, the bell rang, and Strasburg is the new face of the Nats. Listen, the Nationals suck, and will always suck. They have a couple of good pieces, however, nothing to put them over the hump. Strasburg is the real deal, and I believe will be a stud once he gets brought up. He is 6'4, 220 and has a 100 mph fastball. He is going to be dirty, however, it probably won't be until he leaves the Nationals when he gets traded in three years.

Nationals Offer Not Good Enough For Strasburg

"The clock is ticking on the Stephen Strasburg negotiations. Who will blink first? The Washington Post is reporting that while the Nationals have offered a record deal for an amateur, but it will not be enough to get things done before Monday night's deadline. Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports the Nats have made a $17 million offer, with easily attainable incentives that could push it beyond $20 million (ESPN)."

I knew there was no way that Strasburg would sign with the Nationals. Boras is going to want crazy money, and he probably really doesn't want his ace in the hole to stay in Washington. Listen, I know Strasburg might be the next Roger Clemens, but this is a ton of money for a player that has a lot of questions. You really don't know how good he'll be. There have been a lot of former #1 picks who turn out to be busts...

Luke Hochevar
Matt Bush
Delmon Young
Bryan Bullington
Matt Anderson

The list goes on and on. Now there are plenty that end of being great (Griffey), but I am just saying it is not a sure thing. I feel bad for the Nationals here, but they knew Boras was going to bust their balls. What is really unfair is that it will probably end up being a big market team that eventually lands this guy...

Nationals Can't Sign Strasburg

"No one expected it would be easy for the Nationals to sign top overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg, who is being advised by hard-line agent Scott Boras. But not sign him at all? ESPN's Pedro Gomez reported Tuesday that the Nationals are not on pace to sign Strasburg by the Aug. 17 deadline. A source told Gomez no offer has been made other than the mandatory minor league tender that all clubs must make to their picks within 10 days of the draft (ESPN)."

I said it before and I'll say it again....The Nationals have no shot at signing this kid. They don't seem to be willing to hand out the crazy money it is going to take, and I don't think Strasburg wants any part of this wasteland that is the Nationals organization. Here is an interesting thought...the Sox need a bat. Dunn is on the Nationals. So what about a trade of Dunn and the rights to Strasburg for a combo package of minor leaguers (Bowden, ect). Won't happen, but it is fun to think about....

Strasburg Won't Sign With Nationals

"The Nationals picked Stephen Strasburg No. 1 in yesterday's MLB Draft, but some are already speculating that the club and the pitcher won't agree on a contract. On "Mike and Mike" this morning, ESPN analyst and former Mets GM Steve Phillips said he thinks Strasburg won't agree to a deal with the Nationals before the signing deadline, which is Aug. 17. (The usual deadline is Aug. 15, but it was moved back because it falls on a Saturday this year.) If Strasburg doesn't sign, he will have to re-enter the draft next year (ESPN)."

Honestly who wants to play for the Nationals. They suck, and I doubt they are going to throw the 50 million over 6 years that Boras wants. There is so much hype around this kid that he can wait a year, and probably get that deal with someone else. If he does sign I think the Nationals are going to force him to the Majors right away, which will most likely fuck up his career. It is never a good sign when you are already hearing that a player doesn't want to sign before you even start negotiating.