Tonight, Stephen Strasburg takes the Major League mound for the first time and it could potentially change the course of the Nationals history for years to come. If he's good, the Nats have the #1 spot in their rotation filled for the next decade. If he's bad, they've got a ton of money locked up in a player who can't be the integral piece to their team that they need him to be. Either way, we will learn a LOT about the future of the Washington Nationals tonight.
I have to say, this is the most excited I've been for a baseball game all season. I have never been a die-hard Expos/Nats fan but I like pitching. It's my favorite part of the game, and when someone like Stephen Strasburg comes along and is touted as "The Next Big Thing," I can't help but be a fan. I will definitely be watching tonight as the Pittsburgh Pirates head to the Nation's Capital to face Strasburg.
The Nationals couldn't have planned Strasburg's arrival any better. I hate to say it but the Pirates are the closest thing to the Minor League competition Strasburg will see. It's a good team to get his feet wet against. The only real threat to his ego will be Andrew McCutchen. Luckily for Strasburg, Major League rules prohibit "Cutch" from batting before or after himself. Strasburg will probably be on a pitch count in the 80-90 range which should, if he pitches well, get him to the 6th inning or so.
In other baseball news, the Nationals selected Bryce Harper with the first overall pick in the 2010 First Year Player Draft. The other reason I'm curious to see how Strasburg does is because it's pretty rare that back-to-back #1 picks turn into everyday players in the Show. I think Harper has the potential to possibly be a bust. All his power has been shown with Aluminum bats and the switch to Wood could hurt him. Luckily, he's only 17 years old so he'll be given a couple years to develop in the Minor's before he is expected to perform at the Major League Level.
So, enjoy your look into the future this evening. One way or another, it will be historic!
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I agree, I think Strasburg is the real deal and Harper is a potential bust. However, Harper used a wood bat this season in college ball so he definitely has power. I just think his ego will get the best of him but time will tell.
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