The Stephen Strasburg Project Begins In The Instructional League

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

It is almost time for the “can’t miss” prospect to make an appearance.

The No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft will take the hill in two Instructional League games next month.

Strasburg’s first outing will take place against the Tigers on Oct 5, 2009 in Viera Florida, and will once again take the mound against the Astros in Kissimmee Florida.  In both appearances, he will be limited to a strict pitch count.

According to MLB.com, newly appointed General Manager Mike Rizzo and Nationals team president Stan Kasten were not available for comment.

Strasburg, who is represented by Scott Boras, signed a phenomenal contract that is subject to endless debate.  The contract in question far exceeds any contract any amateur has signed, that is, until the next big thing hits.

His current contract, which is worth a estimated $15.67 million over four-years, towers over the previous high of $10.5 million that was awarded to the last can’t miss, Mark Prior.

Prior, who’s seemingly effortless, flawless delivery, led scouts and executives to believe that he was destined for superstardom.  Unfortunately, due to a rash of injuries, his career was cut short.

This can open up numerous different avenues to go down; pitch counts, innings pitched, and contracts.  The topic in question is Strasburg taking the hill for the first time.

Any baseball insider knows his numbers at San Diego State are amazing, 13-1, 1.32 ERA in 15 starts, 195 strikeouts in 109 innings of work.  Everyone also knows Priors numbers in his junior year at USC, 15-1. 1.70 ERA in 18 starts, 202 strikeouts in 138 innings.

These numbers are so similar that one cannot question the outcome.

All that anyone can do at this point is speculate and wait.  All that the Washington Nationals can do is sit back and bask in the glory of what a No. 1 pick can bring to their team and city.

This groundbreaking deal will elevate television ratings, increase a fan base, and almost certainly bring hope to a franchise that is begging for success.

A new era for a new generation of Nationals fans that is undeniably linked to his success.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective and currently, Devon is a Branch Manager at a financial institution in Southern Ontario Canada.  He can be reached at thegmsperspective@gmail.com or devon@businessofsportsnetwork.com

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