Stephen Strasburg: The Phenom

I'm not sure where this "blog" is heading. The Yankees dramatic win over the Red Sox is an obvious topic, the Lakers dismantling of the Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals has appeal and then there is minor league pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who is being dubbed the best baseball prospect of all-time. Yes, of all-time. But Steve, no pressure. Since his minor league career began a month ago, Strasburg has started seven games and has allowed just four earned runs. He has yet to allow a home run. Wayne Gretzky knows what it's like to be a phenom. He was dubbed "The Great One" before he was old enough to drive. Mickey Mantle was the "Commerce Comet." And Bob Feller made his major-league debut before graduating from high school. The Washington Nationals signed Strasburg to a record $15.1 million. Washington has lost 100 games in back-to-back seasons. If there is a team that needs a Strasburg, it's the Washington Nationals. Strasburg's work ethic has caught the attention of the Nationals. He married his college sweetheart in January, then managed to squeeze in bullpen sessions every other day while on his honeymoon in Hawaii. Strasburg throws four pitches for strikes. He's on pace to make it to the big club before the start of the summer. The scouts tell us that Strasburg is not going to be a flash-in-the pan. They tells us the kid has the right stuff. They tell us the kid is going to be special. They said the same thing about David Clyde. Clyde was top pick of the Texas Rangers in 1973. He didn't play a minor league game. He lasted only five years in the majors. Is Steve Strasburg a David Clyde or a Bob Feller? No one knows. At least not yet. I can't wait to see what all the fuss is about.