I’ve said all along that Stephen Strasburg is the product of a Justin Verlander/Max Scherzer morph — two one-time top prospects whose hype never added up to 1/10 of Strasburg’s. Don’t tell that to everyone and their MySpace friends, though, who think Strasburg should be a human holiday that upstages Christmas. The hype train rolls on as the Detroit media requested a special time when they could speak with Strasburg while he’s in town, despite the fact he’s not scheduled to pitch (4 PM Wednesday if you’re interested).
Don’t get me wrong, Strasburg’s got dirty stuff, but the over-hype has gotten so ridiculous we’re already blaming Major League mounds for his first poor outing — 5 BB in 5.1 IP in his second start this past weekend against Cleveland. (Strasburg certainly didn’t help with his body language, kicking the dirt in frustration after realizing he walked another hitter — Hey, you’re pitching on an MLB mound. It’s not the mound).
If he ever gets touched up, I’m sure we’ll start hearing that he’s pitching down to his competition or that he gave up a lot of runs for our sins. Seriously, let’s simmer and see it play out. The media hype is already making me root against a pitcher I’d really just like to enjoy.
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