Stephen Strasburg signs with the Washington Nationals (Image: Zuma Press)

Strasburg is one of the highest rated baseball prospects of the last twenty years. A starting pitcher for San Diego State, Strasburg was simply dominant on the college level. The lanky right-hander has an overpowering fastball and a devastating curveball in his arsenal. In his 2009 season, he was 13-1 with a 1.39 ERA. Perhaps most impressive were his 195 strikeouts in only 109 innings of work.

The Nationals were facing a lot of pressure from their fans to get this deal done. Last year they had the worst record in all of baseball. This year, that is again the case. Considering that the Nationals gave Strasburg a deal bigger than any draft pick in baseball history, they were willing to step up to the plate and spend the money to bring in an elite prospect.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Here is a look at the top ten picks in our 2009 MLB mock draft:

Stephen Strasburg - 2009 MLB Mock Draft (Image: Zuma Press)

1) Washington Nationals – Stephen Strasburg
This is a no-brainer first pick for the Nationals. Stephen Strasburg is not only the best pitcher in this draft, he’s probably the best pitcher in any MLB draft of the last few decades. His statistics are off the charts and he has future superstar written all over him.

2) Seattle Mariners – Dustin Ackley
While there are a ton of quality pitchers in this draft, Dustin Ackley might be the only position player with a “can’t miss” label. He has a great swing and should become a very good first baseman.

3) San Diego Padres – Tanner Scheppers
For the last few years, Tanner Scheppers has been a top flight pitching prospect. However, last year an injury scare hurt his stock. Now that he’s healthy again, expect him to be a top five pick.

4) Pittsburgh Pirates – Tony Sanchez
The Pirates have been connected to Tony Sanchez and that’s not much of a surprise. They’ve had a difficult time finding a dependable catcher and Sanchez can solve that issue.

5) Baltimore Orioles – Tyler Matzek
Considered by many scouts to be the best left-handed pitcher in the 2009 MLB Draft, Tyler Matzek is a starting pitcher who can get up to about 95 on the gun. His impressive size should also help him grow into a very good pitcher down the line.

6) San Francisco Giants – Tim Wheeler
Out of Sacramento State, Tim Wheeler is a 6-foot-4 center fielder. He’s still a bit of a raw prospect but he has the tools to be a star.

7) Atlanta Braves – Aaron Crow
Aaron Crow is a well known prospect. Last season, the Nationals drafted him 9th — but Crow and the Nationals couldn’t agree on a contract. He didn’t do anything to hurt his stock and should once again be a top ten pick.

8) Cincinnati Reds – Alex White
Although Alex White needs a lot of work, the Reds could very well roll the dice on him. He needs to improve his confidence in his fastball but his off-speed pitchers are impressive for a player his age.

9) Detroit Tigers – Jacob Turner
When it comes to a throwing a fastball, Jacob Turner probably has the second best raw heat in the draft behind Stephen Strasburg. He can hit 98 miles per hour and given his age, he could even improve further.

10) Washington Nationals – Donovan Tate
Perhaps the best pure athlete in the draft, Donovan Tate is the son of Lars Tate, the former NFL running back. A center fielder, he has very good size, speed and a good arm. The only flaw in his game right now is a below average eye at the plate, however expect someone in the top to take a gamble on him.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Here is the Team USA baseball roster at the Beijing Olympic Games:

Pitcher – Brett Anderson
Pitcher – Jake Arrieta
Pitcher – Trevor Cahill
Pitcher – Jeremy Cummings
Pitcher – Brian Duensing
Pitcher – Kevin Jepsen
Pitcher – Brandon Knight
Pitcher – Mike Koplove
Pitcher – Blaine Neal
Pitcher – Jeff Stevens
Pitcher – Stephen Strasburg
Pitcher – Casey Weathers

Catcher – Louis Marson
Catcher – Taylor Teagarden

Infielder – Brian Barden
Infielder – Matthew Brown
Infielder – Jason Donald
Infielder – Mike Hessman
Infielder – Jayson Nix
Infielder – Terry Tiffee

Outfielder – Dexter Fowler
Outfielder – John Gall
Outfielder – Matthew LaPorta
Outfielder – Nate Schierholtz

Post from: Knuckle Curve