Good god, there are a lot of theories flying around about the day the Nats will debut Stephen Strasburg. Understandable. Fans want to buy tickets. Reporters want to plan stories. Everyone wants to see one of the most hyped prospects in Major League Baseball history in person. MLB.com’s Bill Ladson tweeted from San Francisco this afternoon that he’s hearing the Pittsburgh series – June 8, 9, 10 – is more likely now and then posted this article. MASN’s Ben Goessling weighs in as well with his Strasburg thoughts. Given those two posts, if you bought tickets for the June 4 game against the Reds…um…..well, it should be a nice night anyway
This might be another reason Washington general manager Mike Rizzo was testy with reporters on the road on Tuesday, insisting he’s never said June 4 was a definite debut date. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman has tweeted twice now that he’s hearing a “mid-June” debut. Since the Nats are on the road from June 11 to 17 that means either the Pirates series – mid-June? – or June 18 against the White Sox at Nationals Park. Maybe this is a logic fail on my part, but I just can’t imagine Washington starting Strasburg on the road – even though it might be in his best interests. Less of a circus and all that.
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On a similar note – I have to believe the organization will push Strasburg’s final minor-league start back a day. That gives Triple-A Syracuse – on the road June 3 against Buffalo – one last monster Friday night home crowd. That would also push Strasburg’s big-league debut to June 9. That makes sense since the front office will be dealing with the MLB draft on June 7 and 8 at Nationals Park. It concludes on Wednesday, but should be over by the early afternoon. Include the expected selection of fellow phenom Bryce Harper with the No. 1 overall pick on June 7 and the District might as well officially declare June 6-12 “Nats Week”.
If we adhere to the idea that Washington wants to limit Strasburg to about 100 innings pitched in the big leagues, the later start date likely gets him into early September. You’re looking at six starts before the All-Star break – barring rain outs and injury, of course. In fact, a June 9 debut gives Strasburg five days of rest between three of those games. Then after his start on July 7 the team could shut Strasburg down for eight days before they return from the All-Star break on July 16.
