By "saving" Strasburg for the future, the Nationals are jeopardizing their chances of winning this year - a year that they have the best chance to win. Is trying to save a pitcher (who may fall off like Lincecum, or stay strong like Halladay) the right decision when who knows if this team will be in contention next year or the year after?
Kate
Favorite Answer
No. The reason Strasburg became a pro-baseball player is to pitch.
Here are 3 reasons why I think this move is so ridiculous:
1 - Strasburg had TJ Surgery, like many other pitchers, did the proper rehabbing and is in no pain. Yes, he fumbled on his last start but that happens to Verlander, Sabathia, Price and I mean look at Timmy Lincecum?? Pitchers come back from TJS all the time and don't get grounded especially with the season he is having.
2 - Strasburg might never have a postseason opportunity like this again in his career, as no team is the same year to year regardless of the roster. And the Nationals have never even played in October before, and it would be a shame if the Nats win the World Series without Strasburg.
3 - Also, Strasburg could blow out his arm in his first start next season or get hurt doing something athletic to occupy all the free time he has now. This hurts Strasburg mentally too, as he mad it clear he was not happy about this decision and he is a man not a teenager.
If I were Strasburg I would tell the Nats that he would walk when he is eligible to leave. Why the Nats think this is a good idea is beyond me, as if I were Strasburg I would be embarrassed and upset.
Fungo
We won't know if this is the right decision until about a year from now. Strasburg's health is more important to the GM than Strasburg starting every 4th-5th day in the playoffs.
It's a Catch 22 for Rizzo -
> If w/o Strasburg, Nationals don't win the World Series (which wasn't expected before the season began) - why did you sit Strasburg?
> If with Strasburg, Nationals win WS, but Strasburg throws out his arm - why did you let Strasburg pitch?
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The team is built for long term success. The entire team save maybe one or two role players is under team control next season. Why would they just suck again? They're one of the youngest, most talented teams in the game with dominant pitching. If you take away all of the games Strasburg had pitched in and won, they still have the best record in baseball.
Also, it could be argued that he's not even the best pitcher on that staff. Gio is in serious Cy Young contention with the most wins in the majors.
This team, along with the Braves will be around for the division title for years to come. They are making a sound decision. One that, regardless of the recent media spin, Strasburg and his father both agreed to last spring. If his father agrees with shutting him down, that's good enough for me.
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Bad choice. Im really concerned about the pitchers taking his spot in the rotation. John Lannan cant fill his shoes and the 2 youngsters they called up aren't major league ready yet. The move was downright ridiculous. the nats are putting a ton of pressure on gio gonzalez and edwin jackson now. And even if the Nats are future ready, they have to look at the fact that if the Dodgers dont even make the playoffs this year that their world series chances for this year will be so much better.
Another Q you gotta ask yourself is, are some of these hitters even for real? Will Ian Desmond repeat? Steve Lambadozzi a real leadoff hitter? Danny Espinosa and his up and down ways. Take advantage of these guys this year.
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I believe the Giants and the Nats have the best pitching in the NL and either could go all the way, but with Strasburg the Nats would be a favorite over the Giants, now they're equal.
If the Nats don't win this year they will have other chances, with their team and what they have in the minors, its scary to think of just how good they can get in the coming years.