SECAUCUS, NJ – Happily approved for the 2009 MLB Draft, I’m on location in New Jersey for the annual first-year player draft. We’re taking part in some history as the draft is being televised for the very first time. I’ll have a more detailed perspective shortly, but here’s a quick post on the first couple of picks. The Washington Nationals selected San Diego State University right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg with the first overall selection. Nationals Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo and Nationals Scouting Director Dana Brown made the joint announcement.
Strasburg, a 6-foot-4 power pitcher, went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA in 15 starts as a junior for the Aztecs. He fanned an NCAA-best 195 in 109 innings, and did not issue more than two walks in any game this season. Strasburg, who was San Diego’s closer as a freshman and their top starter each of the last two seasons, walked one or fewer in 10 of 15 starting assignments.
“We are thrilled to select someone with the special talents that Stephen possesses,” said Rizzo. “Those talents have long been on our radar, and Stephen’s domination at San Diego State and vast experiences gained with Team USA last summer have done nothing to change our thoughts about his abilities.”
I’ll check back in shortly with more. The Yankees have the No. 29 pick in the first round.
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