Stephen Strasburg Will Never Live Up to Our Expectations

Fans, management, ownership and whoever else may have a stake in a team are always looking for the next superstar, the next franchise player. 

Stephen Strasburg is that shining star that every scout hopes to find. 

Since utterly dominating his opponents at San Diego State, Strasburg was anointed the King and with great reason: His statistics in college were the stuff of legend. Once it was announced that Strasburg was eligible for the draft, the comparisons to great pitchers began. 

We are in an age in which I believe that we have possibly peaked as athletes. There is nothing we will ever see that another athlete hasn’t already accomplished. 

Strasburg is undoubtedly a phenomenal pitcher. However, from what we have seen in the short time that he has been pitching, I don't see how he will differentiate himself from elite power pitchers of the past, such as Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson.

If everything goes according to "plan," Strasburg will be amongst the elite for the next 15 to 20 years, win 300 games, top 3,000 strikeouts and land in the Hall of Fame. That said, I don't see him becoming the greatest of all time, as others have proclaimed. It's way too early for that talk. Strasburg is undeniably talented, but to proclaim  that he or any other prospect will be the best the game has ever seen is completely unfounded.

Strasburg appears to have fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and the Nationals are keeping him on a strict pitch count to ensure that they do not overuse him. When he has pitched, he has been very, very impressive, with 5 hits, 1 earned run, and 8 strikeouts in 8 innings pitched. I just hope he has not been rushed back too soon. 

At the age of 23, the sky is the limit. I can see where everyone is coming from, but we can’t forget that there are very few pitchers that are unhittable for a lengthy period of time, especially after Tommy John surgery.

From what I have read, Strasburg seems to have a level head on his shoulders. He has been saying the right things and acting the right way, which is beneficial for an athlete so early in his career. What I fear is that if he doesn't break every record before he turns 30, he may suffer the negative effects of failing to meet expectations.

Don't forget, for every Hall of Famer, there is a potential HOF. Remember Kerry Wood, Brien Taylor, Mark Prior and Matt Anderson?

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals and the Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout.