Stephen Strasburg

Strasburg was this year’s first pick of the draft and pitching phenom for the San Diego State Aztecs. Stephen is a San Diego, California native. Strasburg represented the U.S. National Baseball Team in the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 where he pitched a one-hitter against the Netherlands. Stephen is also well known for his 23 strikeouts against the University of Utah in 2008. In 2009 Strasburg proved that he was first round material when he faced the Air Force baseball team, throwing a no hitter.

While striking out nearly 40% of the batters that he faced in 2008, a very watchful eye will be kept on Strasburg as it is expected that he mows down the majority of the fall leaguers. This year, the Arizona Fall League has realigned its teams which means that the Washington Nationals will be represented by the Phoenix Desert Dogs. Last year, the Nationals played for the Peoria Saguaros.

On the flipside, scouting reports indicate that Strasburg’s pitching mechanics are very similar to those of Mark Prior. Prior, also a San Diego native was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1998 and played for Vanderbilt and USC. For those of you not aware of Prior’s story, Prior developed shoulder tendonitis in the 2006 season and underwent two shoulder surgeries including a career ending surgery in 2008 as a result of a tear in his shoulder capsule.

However, Strasburg is not Prior. Time will tell if the similar pitching styles will result in any injuries. Regardless, Strasburg will potentially gather some decent sized crowds for the Arizona Fall League and promises to be a threat with his 102 mile per hour fastball and 94 mile per hour slider.