Very exciting to see someone tossing 100 MPH heat consistantly.  Let's hope he can keep it up without getting hurt.  Loved the greats of yesteryear that had that kind if heat over a long career, Nolan Ryan and Goose Gossage come to mind.

This really reminds me of the debut of Dwight Gooden in 1984.  Remember, the Mets came around and became World Champions in 86

I was at his debut game, and I haven't seen such an electric and captivated crowd at a Nats game since the first half of their first season here in DC (back when they had the best record in the NL and the hottest closer in MLB).

If the pitching schedule sticks to plan, I'll be at his next start, too.

NATSTOWN !!!

I think the reaction to this among fans is rediculous. Yea its pretty sad that he will be out for a year. But its basicly guranteed that he will come back and be able to pitch at the same level by Spring 2012. 

The nats problems were mostly defensive and injurises / insonsistent play form the starters. They give the opposition too many outs and letting their starters down by turning jams into big innings and big innnings into real game enders. Desomnd looks alot smarter and more consistent the last month. Kennedy seems to be palying better and Morgan looks at least a bit less like a hockey player. If they can get consistent starts form Lannan and Marquis and resign Livan in addition to the new cuban and a healthy JZimm, thats 5 guys who should keep them in some games and they could be a lot closer to a .500 team next year even with out Stras.

Stephen is yet another casualty of the limits of the human body.  Being able to throw over 100 MPH doesn't mean your body can handle the strain.  The past is full of pitching phenoms who's elbows and shoulders couldn't take it.  Ask any Cubs fan about the summer of Kerry Woods and what happened to him after he had Tommy John surgery, which Strasburg is going to have.  Pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Big Unit are freaks because they were able to pitch so hard for so long.

Nothing is a guarantee coming back from Tommy John. I hope he comes back as good as he was, but he may be the next Kerry Wood or Mark Prior.

Those guys have had multiple surgeries and alot of other shoulder issues as well. Obviously nothing is guaranteed in sports medicine, but its about 90% come back fine from TJ. I for one will expect he will come back fine unless / until he doesn't. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by crgildart 

Very exciting to see someone tossing 100 MPH heat consistantly.  Let's hope he can keep it up without getting hurt.  Loved the greats of yesteryear that had that kind if heat over a long career, Nolan Ryan and Goose Gossage come to mind.

I think it was the curse of crgildart.  Dang, right when they sign a heavy hitter to add the offense this happens  I feel or the Nat's fans.  DC finally had something worth watching outdoors.  After all, my Mets aren't doint anything this year so I was actually starting to get excited for my DC friends.  Maybe they can keep it up, but the team  is/was certainly better with the ace.

you throw thats hard sooner or later something is going to go

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamesj 

Strasburg is slated to make his MLB return pitching for the Washington Nationals on Sep 6, 2011. 

I think I'm gonna be there.

You are a blessed man James!

I hate to be a downer, but until he changes his mechanics and gets his elbow below the shoulder level, he's going to continue to have arm problems.  This is why a little guy like Tim Lincecum has stayed healthy despite heavy workloads and a big stud like Strasburg already had surgery.  Five years from now you won't see any pitching prospects with the raised elbow release, I'm guessing.

I sincerely hope Strasburg can make the change and still be as effective, because he's definitely fun to watch.

Text book Inverted 'W'

any time your franchise player's closest comparison is Mark Prior... well, you might be in Nat'stown!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaytierney 

I hate to be a downer, but until he changes his mechanics and gets his elbow below the shoulder level, he's going to continue to have arm problems.  This is why a little guy like Tim Lincecum has stayed healthy despite heavy workloads and a big stud like Strasburg already had surgery.  Five years from now you won't see any pitching prospects with the raised elbow release, I'm guessing.

 

I sincerely hope Strasburg can make the change and still be as effective, because he's definitely fun to watch.

Must be referring to this??

Yes.  I wasn't aware of the inverted W terminology, but even going back to pitching in little league, the emphasis was always to keep that elbow below your shoulder or you're going to hurt your arm.  Some didn't believe in it, but I was taught this and based on watching many famous pitchers of different eras, definitely became a believer.

Well, even The Ryan Express didn't always stick to the basics..

That DOES look painful!

Nolan Ryan, the most over-rated pitcher in history.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiteroom 

Nolan Ryan, the most over-rated pitcher in history.

I only liked him when I was 5..

As a role model he seems like a decent individual, but I never liked the Rangers or Astros much when I lived in Texas.

Possibly... it's because of the cache that comes with all of those no-hitters, so I get why and it doesn't really bother me.  Plus, he'll always be remembered for the time Robin Ventura charged him when Nolan was already over 40 and took care of business in the fight with a headlock and some head shots.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiteroom 

Nolan Ryan, the most over-rated pitcher in history.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaytierney 

 Plus, he'll always be remembered for the time Robin Ventura charged him when Nolan was already over 40 and took care of business in the fight with a headlock and some head shots.
 

Oh ya, I forgot about that.  I think Rangers fans has special shirts made to wear to games immediately following that.  Newest NWO member, stuff like that. 
 

I heard he's been asked to autograph this photo more than any other piece of memorabilia, including baseballs.