Washington Nationals

With the 2010 MLB All-Star Game in Anaheim right around the corner, a lot of the buzz is being centered around the games brightest young star, Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals.  Just like every other hot topic in sports, everybody has an opinion on whether or not Strasburg should be named to the N.L. squad for this year's midsummer classic. 

A good debate should have strong arguments for both sides, and this debate doesn't disappoint. 

Major League Baseball will announce the All-Star rosters on Sunday, and there has beenmuch debate about whether or not Washington Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg, deserves to be a member of the National League team.

Those who want Strasburg in the All-Star game mention that he has been dominant in four of his five starts and point to his 2.27 ERA and 48 strikeouts in just 31.2 innings pitched. But, that last stat is exactly why the Nationals' starting pitcher does not deserve to be a 2010 National League All-Star.

The Atlanta Braves continued their winning ways as veteran right-hander Tim Hudson outdueled rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg.

The Braves threatened in the first two innings but were unable to score against Strasburg. Melky Cabrera was thrown out trying to score in the first, and Blanco grounded into an inning-ending double play in the second with two men on.

We get it.

Stephen Strasburg is the greatest thing since sliced bread.  There's even a rumor that Tim Tebow wears Strasburg pajamas.  Usain Bolt could actually run the 100 meters faster if he wasn't afraid that he would get close to the fastest thing alive moniker, and everyone knows that's reserved for Strasburg's fastball.

We get it.  Now can all you sportswriters and analysts quit it.

Look at the reports after Strasburg's loss Monday against the Atlanta Braves:

Ever since the Washington Nationals franchise came into existence in 2005 they haven't had much luck go their way to say the least. From 2005-present day, the Nationals have won 376 games, but have lost a dismal 507 games (record includes 2010 season). In the five year span the Nationals have wound up in last place in the National League East every year but once and often find themselves wondering what will it take to get the team on the right track.

As soon as phenom pitching prospect Steven Strasburg was drafted No. 1 overall by the Washington Nationals, baseball fans were awaiting the next Gibson or Ryan to take the mound.

As time went by in the minor leagues, Strasburg dominated the competition and a move to the majors became a reality for him.

Finally the Nationals called up Strasburg on June 8th for a home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game he dominated with 14 strikeouts and earned a win.

On June 8, the baseball world turned its collective attention to the debut of heralded pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg. No one can underestimate the quality of his talent, nor dismiss it.

His ability was apparent at every stage: from college ball through his short stint in the minor leagues following his draft selection in June of 2009. He features and commands four pitches. Many experienced Major League aces have, on average, only three.

Is Stephen Strasburg a good pitcher? Absolutely.

Washington Nationals phenom pitcher Stephen Strasburg can add another title to his young and blossoming career, Hall of Famer. Despite his career just getting started, Strasburg has been announced as a surprise additional inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

On the final weekend of July, the rookie pitcher will join outfielder Andre Dawson, umpire Doug Harvey, and manager Whitey Herzog as the newest class of the Hall of Fame.

Stephen Strasburg is one of the most hyped pitchers baseball has seen in a long time. So far, he's shown his dominance in his first three outings, and seems to be living up to the hype. In fact, some columnists, such as MLB.com's Mike Bauman, are saying that Strasburg should be in the All-Star game on July 13.