Stephen Strasburg.
That’s Stephen with a “ph” and Strasburg with a “u.” Get used to spelling it correctly right now. Because, if the Nationals’ last 6 games of the season go anything like the previous 5, you can count on Strasburg’s name being bandied about at length between now and the amateur draft in June of next year.
Strasburg, a right-handed pitcher with a mid-90’s-and-up fastball and a drop-dead slider, is just beginning his junior year at San Diego State University. He’s big — 6 feet-4 inches, 220 pounds — and smart, a business major. He’s also a San Diego native, whose college coach is Mr. Padre himself, Tony Gwynn.
When the Padres arrived in town to open their three-game weekend series against the Nationals on Friday last, San Diego skipper Bud Black, a former pitcher himself, was asked about Strasburg, and whether the Padres — who began the series in a virtual tie with Washington for the worst record in the NL — had their eye on the young man. Essentially, Black was being asked if his club would play the series to win. Stupid question.
“No manager in this league is going to tell his players to give less than 100%,” he said. “We’re looking at this like any other series.”
He wasn’t kidding, as the Friars swept.
Please don’t read this the wrong way, but I can’t get too worked up over the Nats possibly finishing with the worst record in baseball. When it became evident that injuries would preclude any shot at respectability, the next goal was to avoid 100 losses. However, with Strasburg head and shoulders the top amateur in the nation, even a purely cosmetic goal like that no longer holds much appeal.
How good is Strasburg? Well, this past April 11 he pitched a complete game one-hit shutout against Utah in which he struck out 23 batters. After the game, he was almost apologetic speaking to reporters.
“I was trying to get the ball in play and throw strikes,” he said. “I was trying to use the defense as much as possible, but I guess it didn’t work out that way.”
Gosh, I can’t imagine how terrible he feels about that.
Stephen was also the first collegiate player to be chosen for the U.S. Olympic baseball team since professionals were allowed to play in 2000. He more than held his own against that level of competition. Scouts believe he’ll need little time in the minors.
The wild card in this scenario? The Seattle Mariners. The M’s finish the year at home, against the Angels and Athletics. The Nats play Florida and the Phillies. It’ll be close.
Those frequently negative Internet geniuses out there are already betting that if the Nationals couldn’t sign Aaron Crow, they’ll never sign Stephen Strasburg.
I’ll take that bet, gentlemen — and I’m not a gambling man. By next Sunday night, Nats’ fans may want to order a No. 37 jersey with “STRASBURG” — with a “u” — on the back.
Phil Wood is a contributor to Nats Xtra on MASN. Contact him at [email protected].
