2012 MLB Predictions: Stephen Strasburg Will Get Nationals off to Winning Start

Opening Day is a wonderful time when hope rules all emotions, and there is no bigger sign of promise for the Washington Nationals than having Stephen Strasburg on the bump to start the season. 

William Ladson brings the official news via Twitter that the Nationals have named the ace that will take them out of the gate, and it's franchise arm Stephen Strasburg.

"

Stephen Strasburg will be the #Nats' Opening Day starter.

— William Ladson (@washingnats) March 21, 2012"

This was the right move and the only one that was afforded to the Nationals. Strasburg is going to be the man going forward, and the time to walk on eggshells in regards to his arm is over. 

It's time to embrace Strasburg as the man and throw caution to the wind. Sure, he isn't having the best spring training we have ever seen, but this is the time to smooth over the rough spots, which is precisely what he did in his last start. 

Against the Mets, Strasburg pitched five strong innings, giving up just one run and two hits and throwing 54 of his 85 pitches for strikes. 

The thing about Strasburg is that he is more than a one-trick pony. He is not going to go out there to just gas you to death. 

His arsenal is vast and it will take a little more time for him to hit his stride as he continues to comeback from Tommy John surgery. 

You still put him out front to start the season. 

I fully expect the next couple weeks to be vital in his progression towards Opening Day form. Strasburg will be closer to the player that came back late in the 2011 season and posted a 1-1 record with a 1.50 ERA in five games. 

Workload and pitch count can be measured and debated, but what cannot is that Strasburg is the pitcher that will take this team to the top. 

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