RODGER | 
04 26th, 2010| 
By Rodger M. Wood
In his third start at Double A – Harrisburg Senators, Washington Nationals 2009 #1 $18 million draft pick, RHP Stephen Strasberg dominated a tough Reading Phillies lineup with a 98 mph fastball, knee buckling curve, and drop-off-the-table change up. He allowed only one hit, one walk and struck out 6 in five innings pitched.
For the season, he is 2-0 W-L, with a 0.73 ERA and 17 strikeouts against only 3 walks in 12 ½ innings.
The youngster has major league stuff of which he has full command. He has three pitches which he is not afraid to throw for strikes on any count on the batter. He throws effortlessly, without apparent strain on his arm. He is very coachable and a slave to detail.
He fills the stands wherever he pitches and is a crowd pleaser. I saw him come out after his start against Reading to sign autographs for his many fans lined up in the right field grandstands.
A couple more starts at Harrisburg and he’ll be on his way to Triple A Syracuse, where he will finish off June and be tested by older more savvy hitters He’ll pass this test, his stuff is legitimate – the best I have seen in my 27-years of minor league photography.
I’ve seen Ben McDonald, Andy Petitte, Mike Mussina, Kevin Brown and a few others who could wing it pretty well but Stephen Strasberg, if he stays healthy, will be better than all of them. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he will be one of the best
pitchers of all time before his hour glass runs out.
