Isn't it funny that now ESPN cares about showing a Nationals game on their Network only b/c of ->?

Yeah, I have noticed that too man. Being a Braves fan that I am, I can sort of understand why. Strasberg is really the first major rising athlete that the Washington Nationals have ever had. Even in the days when the Nationals were the Expos, they didn't have many players that stood above the rest. I also think that ESPN is "scouting" for the next potential multiple Cy Young Award. Over the recent years, Maddox left, Clemens left, now Randy Johnson is gone. What pitcher is going to carry the viewers for the this decade now?

Anyway, Strasberg is a good adaption for Washington. They need a good pitcher to carry themselves if they want to take the NL East one day. I don't know exactly know if Strasberg is going to live up to the hype that ESPN is giving him or not over these next couple of years, but it should be interesting to watch nonetheless. It was good talking to you again Scooter. Take care.

I agree Strasburg is the only reason why the Nats are getting put on ESPN. Most of the time ESPN goes after the prime matchups that are happening. Don't get me wrong I love my Braves and I am happy that the Braves are making it on ESPN but seriously I think there are better matchups they can pick to show. On the other hand ESPN is probably thinking from a fan stand point and all the hype is around Strasburg so they might get the good ratings they are probably after. There has been a lot of talk about a lot of people wanting to see Strasburg vs Heyward matchup but that probably will not happen because Heyward is hurt. If everything goes according to plan then there will be plenty of times down the road where we can see a Strasburg vs Heyward matchups. These are two very good rookies who have very bright careers ahead of them.

Yeah. They only talk about the Nationals when Strasberg is pitching. ESPN drives me nuts. MLB Network all the way. I think the Yankees hate ESPN too, they always seem to play worse when they play on there. I actually rather hear Michael Kay right now, as crazy as that sounds.

Sometimes there's an old Brewers game on FSN Wisconsin. They never seem to want to go back too far though. I mean they've played the same Brewers V Astros game from 2007 at least a dozen times now. But I do like to catch past games, just kind of wish they'd go back to their WS run in 1982, I'd love to see how that felt.

Not funny at all. ESPN is a TV broadcaster and it needs good ratings. I mean Stephen Strasburg has been hyped but come on, the man has performed. Everybody wants to watch the guy. Doesn't matter if he was pitching for the Astros or something. He'd be on national television.

Strasburg is a draw now, people have been waiting for this prospect and ESPN has been touting him highly. People are now interested, but of course ESPN wouldn’t be showing the Nationals if it wasn’t for Stephen, after all they have been on his bandwagon.

ESPN is all about the draw, and they will beat fans in the head with their opinions until they believe they proved themselves were right. Hey, I like Strasburg, but there is no way the Nationals would be on unless it was for this phenom. I’m happy for them and their fans.

However, let’s stop with the all star talk. He’s pitched 4 games, we have pitchers in the NL doing outstanding who have pitched 15 or more games. This will anger fans like me with a Yovani Gallardo pitching a 2.36 ERA, 5th best in the NL and most strikeouts if he takes his position. And I have to believe other fans of excellent pitchers will not be pleased to see their guy get overlooked because of Stephen.

He may be a fan favorite, but not to ALL fans who are hoping their guy who has proved their all star quality gets in.

Yes, it is funny. But, it's probably a good business decision since Stephen Strasburg is going to be a big draw since not many people have seen that phenom pitch. I myself would be watching the game cheering on Strasburg to beat the Braves so it will help my Mets. I hope Strasburg does good in his first ever time on national TV.

ESPN is a joke, and ESPN caters to whats hot, but in fairness the Nationals do deserve some TV time, I'm glad the kid is giving the team some exposure they deserve.

If Strasburg was playing with the Pirates it would be on ESPN. He's the only reason the Nationals are getting any respect on ESPN.

ESPN is television, television cares first, foremost, always, and exclusively about ratings, and whatever will pull in eyeballs is considered good for ratings. Strasburg meets this basic criterion. Therefore ESPN will not hesitate to cast a Strasburg game. QED.