The Book on Stephen Strasburg

Prospect Info

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Stephen Strasburg
Born 7/20/1988
RHP, WAS

One of the best college pitchers of any class in memory, righthander Stephen Strasburg mixes a high-90's (and low-100's) fastball with a highly-effective slider/curve for a devastating 1-2 punch. He wasn't a strikeout pitcher early in his college career, instead focusing on pitching to contact, but his K rate has been rising steadily since 2007. A few experts are concerned about his delivery, but it's important to take that with a big grain of salt: there was also a choir united about Mark Prior's 'perfect' mechanics, once, too.

While his college coach (Tony Gwynn) claims he's 'special' and could pitch in MLB immediately, most scouts would prefer he spend at least half a season in the minors before taking on the bright lights with his 103mph heat and 'ungodly breaking stuff'. There's an expectation that Washington will hold him back to avoid hurting his impending MLB career, but no matter how long they hold him down in the minors, this is a pitcher with several Cy Youngs and a couple of Stephen Strasburgs in his future.

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Player Updates and Notes

According to the Washington Post, Stephen Strasburg has earned the nickname 'Jesus' in Nationals camp this spring. Why Jesus? 'Cause what's the first thing you say when you see him pitch?' explained centerfielder Nyjer Morgan. 'Jeee-sus!'

2/23/2010 by BallGrrrl

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Stephen Strasburg was hammered for eight runs in his second professional start last night, giving up back to back home runs and a grand slam to Blue Jays prospect Casper Wells in the third inning. On the upside, his fastball clocked around 98mph all night and his polished curve looked as deadly as-advertised. It's probably nothing to worry about, but if you play fantasy baseball in a keeper league, this might be the best opportunity you'll ever have to steal him away from his owner at less than full value.

10/23/2009 by DataBoy

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The Washington Nationals have signed number one pick Stephen Strasburg to a $15.6M contract at the deadline. The deal, an MLB-level contract, includes a signing bonus and a provision requiring the Nats to give Strasburg a spring training invitation in 2010. That's a formality, of course, as Strasburg immediately becomes the Nationals' number one pitcher with this deal.

8/18/2009 by Kikenkyuu

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In a surprise to exactly no one, ex-San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been named the 2009 winner of the Golden Spikes Award as the best all-around player in college baseball.

7/15/2009 by KDaddy

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As expected, the Nationals selected Stephen Strasburg with the first overall selection of the 2009 Amateur Draft. Now the signing challenge begins...

6/9/2009 by DataBoy

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An assistant to Stephen Strasburg's advisor reported today that they would not be afraid to hold their client back for another year if 'the team that selects Stephen is unable to make an appropriate offer for his services.'

6/5/2009 by BallGrrrl

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Stephen Strasburg lost his first game of the year for San Diego State last night as the Aztecs lost 5-1 to Virginia.

5/31/2009 by BallGrrrl

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