With all of the hype and high expectations, the number-one-overall pick in 2009's Major League Baseball Draft, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, will saddle up and start for the Washington Nationals when they face the Detroit Tigers.
On Tuesday, Strasburg is set to pitch two innings against a powerful lineup of Detroit sluggers including Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen, and Magglio Ordonez.
Nobody knows what to expect from the 21-year-old Strasburg, but everyone seems to have high hopes. From his fastball that ranges from the mid to upper 90s to his curveball that dips down to 79 mph, it seems as if this will be a pitcher one would not want to face.
"I'm anxious to see him," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "I like seeing good young players."
Strasburg, who does not like to talk to the media, told MLB.com two weeks ago that he is ready and excited to start his major league career.
"I told him, 'pitch like you can and don't worry about pleasing everybody else,’" Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty told Strasburg. "I'm sure he is going to be out there and the juices will be flowing. I'm excited."
