Mr. Strasburg: I understand how much hype you've gotten as a pitching prospect and I know how dominant you were in college. I, too, believe that you have an amazing set of pitches and could go really far in the majors. At the same time, I think you're being utterly ridiculous to insist on $50 million when you've never played a baseball game as a pro. I have many reasons for the basis of my opinion.
One example is Mark Prior. Having pitched with USC and declared the best young pitcher in the country hands down, the Cubs signed Prior to a huge deal before he ever pitched a game. While it looked for a flash as if he may have very well lived up to expectations, his career was dealt a crippling blow as he was hit with injures. Injuries from which he's never been able to recover.
Then there's Ben McDonald. About 20 years back, the LSU pitcher was just as hyped up as you are Prior, and he even led the US baseball team to a gold medal at the Olympics. McDonald only lasted nine seasons as a pro baseball pitcher, and hardly anyone today remembers his name.
Oh, and how about Rick Ankiel? I remember the expectations he carried, and the Cards signed him to a huge deal too. He even pitched some great baseball while in the minors for the Cardinals.
Many of his traits were just like yours. Same arsenal of dangerous pitches that you have. Somehow, midway through his stint in the minors, he lost his effectiveness and could no longer pitch like he did. Lucky for him, he found his place in the outfield.
And it's not just baseball where this happens. It happens in nearly every sport. Let's look at some players like Ryan Leaf and Jamarcus Russell (more recently) in football, or players like Kwame Brown, Shawn Bradley, and Michael Olowakandi in basketball. It seems like it happens everywhere.
I do love the potential you've shown the baseball world and I do think that you have what it takes to be an exceptional pitcher. Unfortunately, all rookies carry a degree of risk, even the best of them. You're no exception to this rule.
Until next time, goodbye, Stephen.
One example is Mark Prior. Having pitched with USC and declared the best young pitcher in the country hands down, the Cubs signed Prior to a huge deal before he ever pitched a game. While it looked for a flash as if he may have very well lived up to expectations, his career was dealt a crippling blow as he was hit with injures. Injuries from which he's never been able to recover.
Then there's Ben McDonald. About 20 years back, the LSU pitcher was just as hyped up as you are Prior, and he even led the US baseball team to a gold medal at the Olympics. McDonald only lasted nine seasons as a pro baseball pitcher, and hardly anyone today remembers his name.
Oh, and how about Rick Ankiel? I remember the expectations he carried, and the Cards signed him to a huge deal too. He even pitched some great baseball while in the minors for the Cardinals.
Many of his traits were just like yours. Same arsenal of dangerous pitches that you have. Somehow, midway through his stint in the minors, he lost his effectiveness and could no longer pitch like he did. Lucky for him, he found his place in the outfield.
And it's not just baseball where this happens. It happens in nearly every sport. Let's look at some players like Ryan Leaf and Jamarcus Russell (more recently) in football, or players like Kwame Brown, Shawn Bradley, and Michael Olowakandi in basketball. It seems like it happens everywhere.
I do love the potential you've shown the baseball world and I do think that you have what it takes to be an exceptional pitcher. Unfortunately, all rookies carry a degree of risk, even the best of them. You're no exception to this rule.
Until next time, goodbye, Stephen.
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