The stat line: 7 innings pitched, 4 hits, 2 runs, 0 walks and 14 strikeouts.

That is the first major league start for 2009 first overall pick Stephen Strasburg.  I being a huge fan of baseball love seeing those kinds of numbers from any pitcher.  Strasburg, fair or not, has been anointed the savior of the Washington Nationals franchise.  One pitcher as we all know doesn’t make a difference unless your name is Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan, Walter Johnson, you get the idea.  Regardless of expectations one thing is certain.  I will hold back in getting caught up in the hype.

Or I could just point out that he struck out 14 major league hitters in his first start!  Forgive me, let me take it down a notch.  Yes it was scripted by the Nationals to call him up during a home stand.  Yes his first start was against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  I don’t have to, but I will point out the Pirates as a team have the worst batting average in baseball (.238).  Overlooking all that and saying Strasburg is the real deal after only one start is hard to believe.

However, if you’ve seen just a handful of highlights of him at San Diego State or in the minor leagues, you would’ve started to buy into it a long time ago.  His stuff is filthy.  None that I’ve seen since Kerry Wood burst onto the scene.  Yes, the same Kerry Wood who as a Chicago Cub struck out 20 Houston Astros in his rookie season.  Not saying Strasburg will do the same, but this is the time for him to rack up the K’s.

A fastball that ranges from 91-101 mph.  His changeup can reach 92 mph.  His breaking ball clocked at a nasty 85 mph.  The break on it was just as impressive.  Imagine being the hitter.  You somehow see the fastball whizz by down the middle.  Strike one.  Next pitch is his changeup which you weren’t expecting, you let it pass, it catches the corner.  Strike two.  Now being that Strasburg is a rookie, he will probably want to blow you away with a fastball.  You ready yourself for the heat, but here comes a pitch that for a split second heads for your head, then takes a major turn for the inside corner of the plate.  Called strike three.  Sit down good sir.

That is what is separating Strasburg from a lot of pitchers right now.  He has the stuff and will hopefully learn how to pitch quicker than most.  The Nationals are counting on that right arm of his to help get their heads into the light of contention.  He won’t get them out of the hole, but at least they will get to see the sun rise and set from now on.  They’ve already decided to bring him along slowly which is the right call.  There have been too many phenoms who tire and wear down further into their careers.

He reminds me so much of Kerry Wood.  Lets just hope he isn’t reduced to being a banged up closer for a losing franchise to finish his career.