Washington Nationals Introduce Stephen Strasburg to Media; Fans Proclaim NatsTown = Stras' Burg

by Dave at District Sports Page on Aug 21, 2009 3:09 PM EDT

In a scene befitting a coronation, with the third base stands (semi-) filled with fans and media alike, the Washington Nationals introduced first overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg, signed Monday night for $15.1 million, a record contract for a player from the entry draft.

Wearing a dark blue "Curly W" golf shirt, Strasburg waived politely when introduced by emcee Bob Carpenter, from MASN, the Nationals broadcast partner.

Team president Stan Kasten first made a few general remarks praising the Lerner family and their dedication to building the franchise.

Newly appointed general manager Mike Rizzo, touting "better days ahead," gave a brief comment about how they expect Strasburg to be part of an exciting future, noting he just has to do his part and that the organization does not expect him to be the "savior" of the franchise.

After a short video display of his college highlihgts, and burst of fireworks, Carpenter then asked Strasburg, considering all the fanfare for signing the contract, what the reaction might be after his first shut out. He replied, "Maybe a flyover from Air Force One?"

Ryan Zimmerman then took the stage and presented Strasburg with a crisp, home-white No. 37 jersey. Third base coach Pat Listach, who currently wears the number, was not available for comment.

Zimmerman then told Strasburg not "to worry about everything here [motioning to the collected media and fans]," but to go out and have fun and continue to be the player he was in college. Zimmerman then, at Carpenter's prompting, teased the former San Diego State hurler about his loss to Zim's alma mater, Virginia, in the NCAA playoffs.

What followed was a standard press conference, with questions from the media.

From my impression, Strasburg appeared relaxed, confident -- but not cocky, and eager to get to work. The gathered fans cheered loudly after almost every answer he gave, and they even found it in them to cheer Scott Boras, after the player's agent described Strasburg's work ethic.

Highlights of the presser after the jump...

Some highlights (mostly paraphrasing):

What did you do physically since May? "Took the summer off...played golf...was a college kid until today."

His part in the "feel good" of this week? Starting to get a taste of what his signing means to the fans of DC. "Hoping to come in here and help this team win ballgames."

On the organization's plan for his development: Rizzo: "We'll be cautious with his development." We'll have to assess where his is now; he'll go to the Nats Florida instructional league, then ramp him up to get him to throw on a competitive basis. If they can get him up to speed physically, he'll pitch in the Florida instructional league then in the Arizona Fall League with an eye toward spring training.

On his goals for reaching the major leagues: "It's up to the organization." He just wants to continue what he did in college, being competitive, helping his team win.

How tough will the wait for making the majors be? Tough, because he knows the fans are anxious. But he also realizes that there is an adjustment from pitching once a week to every five days, and he'll do what the organization thinks is best.

Does he feel any pressure to be the "face of franchise"? He got good advice from his college coach, Tony Gwynn "The game is the same. All of this [media, fans] is a little different, but I have to do my thing and try to be successful."

What has been going through his mind since the signing? "I'm a practical guy, so I've been focused on what I need to take to Florida with me."

Did he ever doubt that he would sign? He was always hopeful that it would happen and thankful that it worked out.

On Gwynn's influence: He stated that he wanted to go nine innings every Friday to help San Diego State win games and get to the college World Series. Gwynn told him to "trust his teammates" and kept him on a fairly stringent pitch count.

Scott Boras, Strasburg's agent, was asked about his "makeup": Stephen has already seen failure, already understands how to work for something and strive for something. His achievements were earned, and is a foundation for his ascent into Major League Baseball.

To Kasten, on maintaining the momentum from the Strasburg signing and Rizzo promotion of the last week: "We always thought this would happen." "There have been bumps and bruises" this season, but "a lot of good things [are] happening here." He said the plan has always been "all premised on young starting pitching" and that the Nationals are "very near turning around of this franchise."

How soon can you make the big leagues: "I have experience pitching in the Olympics with guys in the majors now. " But he trusts the judgment of the organization and when "I'm ready, I'll be here."

To Rizzo, on obstacles Strasburg faces: It's "more of a training ground". He needs to adjust to the "everyday-ness of the professional game." "This is a seven-day-a-week job."

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Comments

Nice work, Dave.

Are you going to the game tonight? If so, where are you sitting/what do you think are the chances of it actually happening?

by John Quinn on Aug 21, 2009 3:12 PM EDT reply actions

yup, i'll be there

our regular seats are in 315. i’m usually up there until the sixth inning or so, then go sit with friends in the lower bowl.

as for the weather, it’s a crapshoot. AccuRoscoe should have a better idea in a couple hours.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on Aug 21, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Sweet.

I think we’re good, it looks like the weather will hold off until at least 8:30 or so, and even then it doesn’t look nearly as bad as it was earlier today. I’m in 118 today, but my buddy won’t be there until later so I’ll be walking around during BP.

by John Quinn on Aug 21, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Err, 136. Definitely can’t afford 118.

by John Quinn on Aug 21, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Just bought my #37 jersey tee...

by Parks Smith on Aug 21, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

Also related:

Do they let people out and then back in with the ticket?

by John Quinn on Aug 21, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions

today for the press conference, yes

usually no though.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on Aug 21, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Weeeak.

So if I go in, I can’t come back in later?

by John Quinn on Aug 21, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

if you go into the game and leave

they won’t let you back in.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on Aug 21, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Hogs Haven

My friend and I were there today for the introduction ceremony. After Strasburg left, they setup a little stage right in front of the fans with mics to allow fans to ask questions to Rizzo and Kasten. I asked the second question:

“I’ve been a Nats fan since day 1 and attend 20+ games a year. Great work signing Nyjer and Strasburg. My question is, as Nats fans, how much longer do we have to endure Austin Kearns?”

At this point 90% of the 200 people applauded and a few people booed.

Rizzo took the answer: “What fans don’t understand is that Austin is a great locker-room presence. Fans also don’t realize that he’s played most of the year hurt. He hasn’t given us the offense we expected, but he’s a great clubhouse guy.”

At this point a fan shouted: “But he makes $8 million a year!!!”

My friend made a good point that this should help the front office realize how much the Nats fans have grown inpatient with Kearns.

by Roastbeef on Aug 21, 2009 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

my bad..

I posted this from my friend’s laptop (and thus his SB Nation account), but I just re-logged in as me.

by Kevin Ewoldt on Aug 21, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

very interesting

“great clubhouse guy” = “Adam Dunn’s BFF”

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on Aug 21, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd be happy if I was getting $8M as a bench player...

I’d get drinks and towels for people…

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Patrick Reddington on Aug 21, 2009 5:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions