Stephen Strasburg had a 1.32 ERA for San Diego State last season.

With the number one pick in this year’s major league baseball draft, the Washington Nationals selected Stephen Strasburg.  The powerful right-hander has been the talk of the draft, coveted by teams and GMs who already have good pitching staffs.  But if any teams needs pitching, it’s the Nationals.  Boy…the Nationals need anything they can get.

Word has it that Strasburg’s agent could be pushing for a contract worth as much as $50 million.  That’s right – $50 large – for a prospect who hasn’t even pitched class A ball yet.

But Washington isn’t sweating as much as you’d think they are.  Thanks to a draft revision, teams that are unable to reach terms with its draftee will receive a compensation pick in the following year’s draft.  That compensation pick is only one slot worse than the current year.  For example, if the Nats are unable to sign Strasburg, they will receive the number two pick in next year’s draft.

This type of amendment certainly protects teams from young phenoms with money-hungry agents.  Teams can do their research to offer the proper financial commitment to their draft pick without the fear of losing them and getting nothing in return.

So go for it Nats – pick the best available player (Strasburg).  And if he turns out to be foolish, simply do your homework and pick the two best players in the 2010 draft.  Not a bad proposition at all.

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