Stephen Strasburg’s Debut: 3 1/3 Scoreless Innings

1-liner, Baseball, Stephen Strasburg TheBigLead October 19th. 2009, 3:50pm

Stephen Strasburg: The Washington Nationals savior opened his career in the Arizona Fall League Friday night, and Stephen Strasburg was impressive: Just two hits in 3 1/3 innings, no runs allowed. He threw 50 pitches, 32 of them for strikes. His pitch limit will be 60-65 pitches in his next outings Thursday. Only 21, the Nationals should try to start this kid on opening day. [MLB.com]

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6 Responses to “Stephen Strasburg’s Debut: 3 1/3 Scoreless Innings”

1
sponge-worthy Says:
October 19th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Just two hits in 3 1/3 innings, no runs allowed. He threw 50 pitches, 32 of them for strikes
HOF.
2
Jeeves Says:
October 19th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Only 21, the Nationals should try to start this kid on opening day
I really, really, really, really hope that this is sarcasm
3
The Beard Says:
October 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I really, really, really, really hope that this is sarcasm
Really? Why? Him starting opening day might be the only game the nationals could sell out all year. Is there somebody else on the Nats pitching staff that really warrants starting on opening day?
4
Beadlemania Says:
October 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
You know what, why not put Strasburg out there right away? His mechanics aren’t great and is probably going to get hurt, might as well maximize the time you have him for.
5
wilhelmreems Says:
October 19th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Just two hits in 3 1/3 innings, no runs allowed. He threw 50 pitches, 32 of them for strikes.
should have done better.
6
Jeeves Says:
October 19th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
might as well maximize the time you have him for.
You throw him in on Opening Day and you start his arbitration clock waaaay early and effectively cost yourself an extra year of team control.
Plus as you point out his mechanics aren’t that great, it’s quite possible that can be fixed or adjusted with time in the minors.
And in response to The Beard. This year is basically a wash year for the Nationals as they have to try and turn their franchise around. It might be nice to get a few extra bucks when he’s pitching but in the long run it’s not the best thing for the health of the franchise. They need to maximize the time that they have him as a pitcher (see arbitration clock and super 2’s) and also ensure that he doesn’t get hurt by bringing him up too early. Plus there’s the whole thing of putting too much pressure on the kid. I don’t know what kind of makeup he has but he could get the yips like Ankiel did if you give him too much too early