The long awaited debut of the Nationals number one draft choice, phenom Steven Strasburg took place tonight in Nationals Park. Unfortunately, due to some difficulties I was experiencing as a result of DirecTV pushing out its 3D technology to my set-top box last night, I was finally able to turn into the broadcast just in time to catch the post-game wrap-up. Apparently, I missed one helluva debut.
Strasburg went 7 innings, scattered 4 hits, gave up 2 earned runs and struck out 14 and received one shaving cream pie in the face. Of course, we should temper our enthusiasm just a bit by noting that he was pitching against the Pirates, which was only slightly more difficult, if at all, then what he had been pitching against while he was in Syracuse. This kid has an unbelievable future, as long as the Nationals don't screw up his arm. With the Nats having chosen Bryce Harper last night, the DC club has completed the best back to back number one picks in the draft since maybe ever. Not only will they be able to transform the club but they should be able to turn the team into a more consistent gate attraction, which will in turn give it the resources to become, and make it more attractive as, a free agent destination. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself off of one start, but I don't remember ever hearing Bob Costas and the other MLB Network announcers fawning over a performance by any rookie, much less one pitching his first start, quite like they did tonight. Just wish I could have seen it.
