Stephen Strasburg unexpectedly signed with the Nationals last night for $15.1 million for four years right before the deadline.  This is fantastic for the Nats because they called Boras’ $50 million bluff and signed Strasburg for a much more manageable number.  The pitcher still got a record salary despite getting half of what he realistically wanted around 25 or 30 million.

So how does this man-child pitcher who can touch 100 mph with a wicked curveball?  The simple answer is that Strasburg is a big-time prospect, but just that, a prospect.  The ceiling could be Roy Halladay (or Walter Johnson if you ask Scott Boras), but the floor could be Daniel Cabrera or similar to the young Max Scherzer.  I think he’ll be Justin-Verlander-like where he could win 18 one year and lose 17 the next.  They both throw smoke with sick breaking balls and are both effectively wild.  However, as said in the comments recently, effectively wild certainly has its downsides.

As for this season, Strasburg might have more impact than you think.  It is less likely because of how long it took to sign, but he could pitch in September at the end of this season.  September is the month of divisional play and he could see starts against the Phillies (Sept. 15-17), Mets (18-20, 28-30), Dodgers (22-24), Braves (25-27, Oct. 1-4).

The Mets don’t have much to worry about because of the certainty that the Mets won’t be in the playoff hunt.  I don’t know if Strasburg will be on the team by the series against the Phillies, but he could certainly affect some playoff standings with games against LA or ATL.

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