Johnson questions Strasburg's passion if he doesn't sign with Nats
By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
July 31, 2009
Nationals fans are panicking about whether the team will sign top draft pick pitcher Stephen Strasburg or will he, as press reports say, pass on anything less than a $50 million dollar offer.
This is Washington, D.C., and you know our motto: "Those who know aren't talking and those who are talking don't know."
So as the Scott Boras machine is in full spin cycle and many fans are caught up in the stories that Strasburg isn't talking to the Nationals or that he does not want come here, it is time to take a deep breath.
Former Orioles hurler Dave Johnson, now with 105.7 FM Orioles Radio and MASN, has a unique view on the entire Strasburg situation, both as a former player and as a father -- his son Steve was traded Friday from the Dodgers to the Orioles in the George Sherrill deal.
What is your take on all the fuss of the massive contract demand rumors for Strasburg?
Johnson » "He has to be reasonable because the Nationals will offer more money than has ever been offered to a first-round draft choice -- it may be in the 12 to 15 million-dollar range. But the most important thing to him as a pitcher is that he will be on the Major League club faster with the Nationals than another other team that could have drafted him."
What happens if Strasburg doesn't sign with the Nats?
Johnson » "You have to question the kid's true passion to play the game. He will have to play baseball in an Independent League and that will postpone his development. He won't get the money that he expects to get from the Nationals and won't be pitching in the Major League's till [at least] 2011.Last year's [first round] pick, Aaron Crow, decided that the Nationals' offer was not enough. This season he signed with Kansas City for $2 million less than he was offered last season. Instead of pitching for the Nationals or Syracuse, he is still in the Royals' farm system and will be lucky to be a September call up. What these kids don't understand is, in baseball, you make your money on the back-end. It is the big long term deals where you cash in, not before you ever throw a pitch as a pro."
Catch Johnson, our own Phil Wood and Tom Davis on the best baseball show on radio anywhere. Each Saturday at 11 a.m. on 105.7 FM and is simulcast on MASN.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
