Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg's Case to Start 2012 MLB All-Star Game

Stephen Strasburg should be the early favorite to start for the National League in the 2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City, Mo.

While still early in his career, having not pitched a full season in the big leagues, Strasburg has already shown that he is one of the best power pitchers in the league.

This year, the Washington Nationals starting pitcher is 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 56 strikeouts in eight starts.

In each of his starts, other than Tuesday against San Diego, Strasburg has pitched a quality game.

His most impressive start was May 10 at Pittsburgh when he went six innings, giving up one earned run and striking out 13 as he picked up his third win of the year.

If the Nationals offense could actually get it together when he's in the game, his record might be better.

Instead, Strasburg has had to settle for four no-decisions, three of which the Nationals won in later innings.

So, how does Strasburg's numbers compare to the rest of the National League?

He's second in strikeouts to teammate Gio Gonzalez (60), 11th in ERA with the Braves' Brandon Beachy leading with a 1.78 ERA.

While other pitchers have a little bit better numbers, I think this is the year to go with someone who is going to bring excitement to the beginning of the All-Star game.

Last year, the game received a 6.9 rating, which was the lowest rated in history. The year before that, it received the lowest rating ever (at the time) with a 7.5. In fact, the ratings have gone down the last three years and eight of the last 10 years.

Some sort of excitement needs to be brought back into the game—and Strasburg would be the perfect player to do that.

The numbers are there, even though some players are just a little bit better.

But, who would you rather see starting the All-Star game? Strasburg, Beachy, Tim Lincecum or Clayton Kershaw?