Strasburg Makes First Start vs. Phillies

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Washington Nationals (52-70) at Philadelphia Phillies (69-52)
Stephen Strasburg (5-2, 2.97 ERA) vs. Kyle Kendrick (8-5, 4.45 ERA)

Roy Halladay hasn't received a whole lot of run support this year. The Phillies scored one run yesterday, but Halladay took care of the rest, blanking the Nationals over seven innings. When Halladay is on the mound, there is a good feeling that the Phillies win. On the other hand, when Kyle Kendrick pitches, it's always uncertain as to what type of performance he will have.

The Nationals will send out their young stud, Stephen Strasburg. If you haven't heard of this guy, you probably haven't paid any attention to baseball. The 22-year old was the first overall pick in the 2009 draft, and his game can't get any more hyped. Strasburg throws a 100 mph fastball regularly, featuring a changeup at around 90 mph. You read that right: a 90 mph changeup. Regardless, his stuff is electric.

Tonight will be the very first time the Phillies will face Strasburg, but there will be many more meetings between the two. So far, Strasburg has made two starts since returning from the disabled list with a shoulder injury. The rookie has been under the spotlight in each and every one of his starts, but so far as yet to disappoint. He's the real deal.

Maybe Ryan Howard can greet Strasburg with a long ball. Howard returns from the disabled list tonight, which is earlier than what was originally expected.

Draft Recap

Yesterday, the Phillies drafted Jesse Biddle in the first round. Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, and other notable players have been drafted in the first round, however, some star players like Ryan Howard have been drafted in later rounds. Here is a roundup of a busy day in the Phillies draft room:

Jesse Biddle, Germantown, (1st round, 27th overall) - LHP

Biddle has huge upside, great fastball, good curveball, and improving changeup.

Perci Garner, Ball State, (2nd round, 77th overall) - RHP

Cameron Rupp, Texas, (3rd round, 108th overall) - C

Rupp has been praised for his power and strong arm. He is not likely to hit for average, but has strong power potential. He is also solid defensively.

Bryan Morgado, Tennessee (4th round, 141st overall) - LHP

Morgado has been inconsistent. He has an above average fastball, and his slider is developing.

Scott Frazier, Upland HS (5th round- 171st overall)- RHP

Frazier's fastball touches 95 at times. He has a great changeup, and his curveball is improving.

Guantlett Eldemire, Ohio University, (6th round - 201st overall)- CF

Michael Nesseth, Nebraska, (17th round, 531st overall)- RHP

Nesseth was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 15th round in 2009, but he did not sign. He struggled to open the year, and was shut down due to an elbow injury.

In other news, Jamie Moyer's son, Dillon, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Minnesota Twins.

The Pittsburgh Pirates went pitch-crazy. Nine of their first 10 picks were pitchers -- and all of the right handed variety. They did, however, draft a left-handed pitcher in the 13th round, Chris Kirsch, who graduates in my class. Kirsch's fastball touches 90 at times, and has an above average curveball.

And it's not surprising that Bryce Harper was drafted first overall by the Washington Nationals. The kid is a phenom, hitting 500+ foot blasts. Stephen Strasburg is making his major league debut, and Harper isn't too far behind. The 17-year old and Strasburg can make the Nationals a scary team in years to come. Heck, the whole NL East will be scary with Jason Heyward, Strasburg, Harper, Mike Stanton (who also debuts tonight), and Dom Brown.

2010 Preview: Washington Nationals

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

In 2009, the Washington Nationals finished 59-103, last place in NL East.

There were not many positives for the Washington Nationals in 2009. Their below average offense and pitching resulted in the worst record in baseball.

Manny Acta managed 87 games before getting the boot. Jesus Flores, Christian Guzman and others suffered injuries. Adam Dunn looked lost in the outfield. The woes were endless. Heck, they couldn't even spell their name right.

The one bright spot for the Nationals was Ryan Zimmerman, who earned a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in 2009. The 24-year old third baseman batted .292 with an .888 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Although it was very painful to watch the Nationals last season, there is reason to believe that the Nationals won't be as terrible as they were in the past.

It's so easy to write off the Nationals. They aren't going to contend this year, and perhaps not for a few more. However, the Nationals always seem to be that pesky team that doesn't quit and gives up a good fight -- at least it seems that way when the play the Phillies.

The Nationals are young, but they added a veteran presence. The Nationals signed Jason Marquis, Ivan Rodriguez, Chein-Ming Wang, and Adam Kennedy. While none of these moves are hugely significant, they could change the vibe of the clubhouse, which no longer include Lastings Milledge or Elijiah Dukes.

The new veterans could certainly help out some of the younger and talented players. Ian Desmond has a lot of potential, and earned the starting shortstop job this spring. In addition, the speedy centerfielder Nyjer Morgan is capable of stealing 50 bases, or more.

Although Stephen Strasburg did not break camp, there's a great chance that he could be in the Nationals' starting rotation by June. Strasburg impressed this spring, and many said that they've never seen the ball explode out of a pitcher's hand like Strasburg.

As of now, the Nationals' one-two punch is Jason Marquis and John Lannan, who has improved throughout his career.

While Strasburg is the organization's biggest pitching prospect, Drew Storen should not be overlooked. The reliever has closer potential and could be called up this season.

For now, the Nationals will go with Matt Capps as their closer, who will attempt to rebound from a poor season with the Pirates.

The Nationals aren't ready for contention this year, but may in about two or three years. And if they draft Bryce Harper in this year's draft --- look out!

Prediction: 73-89

Strasburg, Draft Picks Signed Before Deadline

At 12:00 midnight, the deadline ended to sign 2009 draft picks. Although his agent is Scott Boras, many believed it would not happen. However, the Washington Nationals signed first overall pick, Stephen Strasburg.

Strasburg and the Nationals agreed to a four year, $15.67 million contract. Strasburg hasn't thrown a pitch in the majors, and he is already making big bucks. Strasburg went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA at San Diego State this year.

Many believed he would make an impact on the Nationals this year, but Boras said he wants the Nationals to take their time and develop him. 2011 may be a reasonable target.

Among others signed, Dustin Ackley signed a $9.5, five year contract. The second overall pick by the Mariners batted .417 with 22 homers with the University of North Carolina. His teammate, Alex White, signed a $2.25 million contract with the Cleveland Indians. White was drafted 15th overall and had a 8-4 with a 3.87 ERA this season.

The Phillies signed all of their first 10 draft picks. They signed Brody Colvin, their 7th round draft pick.

In other MLB News, Ivan Rodriguez was traded to the Texas Rangers. The Astros acquire Jose Vallejo and Matt Nevarez. Also, the Dodgers may be interested in Vicente Padilla. The Cardinals may be interested in John Smoltz.

Mock Draft and Scouting

MLB.com put up a mock draft. Here is their top 10, along with some additional research and insight.

1. Washington Nationals
RHP: Stephen Strasburg- San Diego State

He is the biggest name on the board. Expected to go number one overall, Strasburg could make an impact this season. With the Nationals being the worst team in the majors, don't be surprised if he is in a major league uniform this season, or skips the minors all together.

Scouting reports say his fastball regularly clocks at 100 mph, which is accompanied by a slider that reaches 88-90 mph. He is working on his changeup, but has very good command of his fastball.

2. Seattle Mariners

1B/OF: Dustin Ackley- UNC

His quick wrists make him a pure hitter. He doesn't have raw power, but makes hard contact and has above average speed.

3. San Diego Padres

LHP: Mike Minor- Vanderbilt

His fastball ranges from the high 80s to low 90s. His changeup is said to be his best pitch and he keeps it down in the zone.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

RHP: Aaron Crow- Fort Worth Cats

The velocity of his fastball reaches the low to mid 90s, and he locates well. His slider is his strikeouts pitch. His funky delivery questions if he can be a starter.

5. Baltimore Orioles

RHP: Zach Wheeler- East Paudling HS

His mechanics may need little tweaking at the pro-level, but overall they are fundamentally sound. He has good command of fastball. He also has a good curve ball.

6. San Francisco Giants

LHP: Tyle Matzek- Capistrano Valley HS

He throws his fastball 90-94 mph, with life. His slider gets right handed batters out. He has a good curve and average changeup. He is projected as a #2 or 3 starter in the future. He is not explosive, but does everything well.

7. Atlanta Braves

RHP: Alex White- UNC

He has a lively arm and his fastball can reach 96-97 mph. He has a great slider and developing splitter. He sometimes has trouble with command, resulting in walks.

8. Cincinatti Reds

RHP: Mike Leake- Arizona State

His fastball ranges from 89-92, but the curveball is his best pitch. He is not overpowering, but has above average command.

9. Detroit Tigers

RHP: Jacob Turner- Westminster Christian Acadamy

He has a decent fastball he throws in low 90s. His curveball is improving.

10. Washington Nationals

RHP: Drew Storen- Stanford

He is a closer, but could be converted to a starter. He throws his fastball in mid 90s and his changeup is improving.

Call of the Day: Chase Utley isn't afraid of diving catches.

"Alex Rios leads it off for the Jays. Lined out to right field- rips one..
oh what a play by Chase Utley. Great diving grab by Utley, and that is one
down here in the third inning."