Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals are rapidly gaining fans nationally. More importantly, they are earning respect as a team and a franchise on the rise. After this weekend’s series with the White Sox is over, Washington will have been on national TV four times in less than two weeks. It also should be noted that the local ratings on MASN have set all-time records. There also has been a dramatic rise in overall ratings on WFED 1500 AM.
Strasburg has won both of his first two starts, has been on David Letterman, is the cover boy for this week’s Sports Illustrated and was the National League player of the week. Meanwhile, he and his teammates will be seen on national television Friday night against the White Sox on MLB Network, which will air the MASN-HD feed with Bob Carpenter, Rob Dibble and Debbi Taylor. Next up comes FOX with its Saturday “Game of the Week” with Dick Stockton and Bert Blyleven doing the telecast at 4 p.m.
FOXSports.com senior columnist Ken Rosenthal is a believer in both Strasburg and the Nationals as future stars.
Rosenthal on Strasburg being overhyped » Well, sure, I guess you could say that. But his performance has justified the hype. John Smoltz told me after his first start, referring to expectations, he “super-exceeded the unexceedable.” That’s John Smoltz talking! And he was as excited about him as anyone.
Rosenthal on what he is impressed with » The sheer quality of his stuff is what impresses me most. You don’t see very often a young pitcher with three quality pitches and the ability to control them.
Rosenthal on how Strasburg helps Washington both short- and long-term » If he is truly an ace, he will prove immensely valuable. Few such pitchers exist, and their impact is enormous. Teams that have a legitimate No. 1 starter know that A) once every fifth day they stand an excellent chance of winning and B) that their bullpen likely will be rested on the day he pitches. When Pedro Martinez was dominant with the Red Sox, it was said that he actually affected three games out of five. His manager could empty his bullpen the day before his starts and the day after, knowing that the ‘pen would be rested in between.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
