Nationals May Send Strasburg to Minors

Sports News - March 2nd, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

Stephen Strasburg, the top pick in the amateur baseball draft in June, may be beginning his 2010 season pitching in the minor leagues according to Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman.

"It's just more challenging to pitch in Double-A or Triple-A in April than it is in spring training in March. We get a better read," Riggleman said of the possibility.

Strasburg is currently scheduled to make a start on March 9th in spring training against the Detroit Tigers.

"Spring training is great, but even as opposed to Double-A or Triple-A pitching, it's just not the same," the Nationals manager remarked. "When everything counts, records count and statistics count, regular season is just a different animal with a guy to go out there with the adrenaline throwing on both sides and the other team is trying to get you."

The young pitcher has impressed the organization with his pitching velocity, a trait he was known for in college at San Diego State University. Riggleman however said that Strasburg needs to continue to accumulate innings and get as much experience as he can.

Perhaps the club is piggy-backing off of fellow NL East rival Atlanta, with regards to their dealings with a young pitching prospect. The Braves drafted Tommy Hanson last season and had him go to the minor league system during the final weeks of spring training. The team then had Hanson join the team in June.

"If we determine that he's not going to be on the club, we probably will get [Strasburg] out of camp and go get in his routine," said Riggleman. "When he leaves Florida, he's going to want to be throwing five innings anyway. If we can only get him two or three at a time, it's not going to work."

Fortunately for the Nationals, their starting rotation is complete even without Straburg. They can take their time with the development of the young pitcher to get him prepared for the Major Leagues on their time-frame.

With the addition of Jason Marquis in the off-season, the Nationals complete their rotation along with John Lannan, J.D Martin and Craig Stammen.

"It's not like we have to have him here now because we don't have any other starters," the Washington manager said.

Oddmakers at Bodog sportsbook are not favoring the Washington Nationals to compete for the 2010 World Series title. Currently, they have the worst odds in the league, going off at 150/1.