Stephen Strasburg: 5 Bold Predictions for Phenom's Opening Day Start

Stephen Strasburg is starting his first, of what will be many, Opening Day games for the Washington Nationals.

As I previously stated, I'm not too thrilled about Strasburg starting against the Cubs on Thursday.

We all remember when Strasburg struck out 14 Pirates on June 8, 2010, setting up a frenzy in our nation's capital.

In his 2012 debut, hopefully one where he'll avoid injury, there's going to be a lot of fans pinning their hopes and dreams on Strasburg.

Here are five bold predictions for Strasburg in his first start of the season.

Leadoff Batter Strikes Out

Strasburg is going to strike out David DeJesus to open the bottom of the first at Wrigley Field.

I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the pitches come close to 100 mph.

But, I expect a first-pitch fastball on the outside corner, followed by a ball, a strike looking and a swing and a miss for the punch out.

The phenom is coming into this season wanting to prove that he will be the No. 1 starter for the Nationals for years to come.

This is where it starts.

2nd Inning Home Run

Strasburg is going to roll through the first inning, but will give up his first run in the second.

My money is on Bryan LeHair or Geovany Soto taking Strasburg deep.

I agree with those who say it's a big stretch to predict when a pitcher will give up his first home run.

But these are bold predictions and I think it will happen sooner rather than later.

He'll Go 0-for-3 at the Plate

The focus for Strasburg needs to be on the mound.

The batter's box—not so much.

His best case scenario is getting a sacrifice bunt, but I don't see him getting a hit in his first appearance of the season.

And, for all the strikeouts he'll throw, he'll also strike out at the plate as well.

6 Innings and 10 Strikeouts

With Strasburg being on an innings limit this year, I see no reason why he'll pitch past the sixth or seventh inning in any game.

However, he'll still get 10-12 strikeouts in the innings he works in.

I don't think it would be too far of a stretch to say that multiple players will strike out at least twice. I'll put my money on Alfonso Soriano.

Nats Pick Up the Win

Behind the pitching of Strasburg, the Nationals will win the game.

By the time Strasburg leaves the game in the sixth or seventh inning, they should have a three or four-run lead.

Then it's up to the bullpen to close the door.

With Strasburg on an innings count, the bullpen is going to have to ensure that when the phenom pitches well, they back him up and ensure his performance is rewarded with a tick in the win column.