Damn, 14 k's in his debut. Ok it was against the Pirates, but still that is pretty impressive. No walks, 7 innings, 95 pitches 65 of which were strikes. He was 1 strikeout short of the record for a pitcher in his debut.
Pirates or not that is major impressive. As was being pointed out yesterday on Sports Center, the Pirates mentality should be that we are already Major League players, he still has to prove he can be. Well, I think he made quite a statement at their experience. Hell even the Tigers Triple A team did better than they did against him, they won.
Sometimes even great pitchers take the mound and don't have "it" that particular outing. Well, Strasburg had "it" yesterday. Total command of all of his pitches. I was at my son's game and couldn't watch it live. We DVR'd it and will watch this weekend, not the same knowing the result though.
His challenge going forward imo will be the first pitch. In game one, the hitters never saw him, so they'd just take the first pitch to gauge speed and movement, so he'd almost always get ahead 0-1, which put him in the driver's seat. As a result, he would throw just some get me over pitches that were a little more hittable than the other pitches he showcased. In time, hitters will get the memo and swing first pitch, knowing it's the best pitch you'll see. If he can beat that, I don't see how the kid won't be phenomenal. Because when he gets you 0-2 or 1-2, or even 2-2, it's all but over.
He's got awesome velocity and control. That to me is what is impressive. The ball reaches the glove before gravity can take over. I'm sure he'll have to change the ruitine of first pitch, but still, the guy's good.
Two words: Mark Pryor How did that work out? Okay it was more than two words:lol: Kid is awesome but he has a long way to go. I wish him the best.
