Strasburg "likely" to need Tommy John

[Jollay]

He'll get a second opinion, but a devastating blow for the Nats' prospects in 2011. He'll likely come back strong in 2012, but this changes everything for the team.

Mike Rizzo announced the news in a conference call this morning.

[Rafael122]

3 year window. He's out for 2011, will probably be back mid-2012, and he probably won't regain his stuff until 2013. By that point, Harper might be up. But still...that affects this team, on and off the field.

Lerners have to spend money this offseason. You can't tell me with a straight face this team can contend for a wild card spot next season with an outfield that consists of Roger Bernadina and Nyjer Morgan.

[Jollay]

Eh, I think he'll be back by 2012 Opening Day at worst. That's 20 months from now.

The Nats targeted 2011 as a contention year. That can't happen now with the present roster (probably couldn't even with him).

There's several ways to look at it. You can look at it like Rizzo is more likely to get a starter now, as that was the achilles heel this year even with Strasburg, and so he's less likely to spend major money at second base or on an outfielder. You can look at it like the Nats now will consider 2011 more of a rebuilding year, whereas beforehand they were more likely to go for it.

Or, like you said, they may be more willing to spend now to offset the loss of Strasburg, marketing, attendance, and otherwise. Jason Werth would be phenomonal, but the Nats do remain high on Bernadina and Morgan, I think.

For now.

[Rafael122]

Nyjer Morgan is 30 years old. He has no more upside, plus it looks like Nyjer has some sort of behavioral problem.

Jayson Werth and Carl Carawford should be a top of the list. We have no leadoff hitter.

Top pitcher is Cliff Lee but there's no way he's coming here.

[craig01]

Certainly a depressing day for Nats fans.

[Rafael122]

Update, Strasburg is good to go to pitch on Sunday and he should be back in the majors by mid-late September unless his development is sidetracked or management simply doesn't want him to pitch in the bigs thi syear.

[Jollay]

Amazing. I would have given him at best like a 2% chance to pitch in the bigs this year.

Now it appears to be a given.

[Rafael122]

Yeah, again, barring a set back, he's pretty much going to be in the opening day rotation. But should we be surprised? It took Zimmerman what...9 months to come back, and Strasburg is right along the same timeline? Is it the team's medical staff, the person or a combo of both that these pitchers have been able to come back?

I have to admit, I was pretty much depressed when I saw he needed surgery, just b/c DC Sports isn't very good. We need this.

[Jollay]

Yeah, again, barring a set back, he's pretty much going to be in the opening day rotation. But should we be surprised? It took Zimmerman what...9 months to come back, and Strasburg is right along the same timeline? Is it the team's medical staff, the person or a combo of both that these pitchers have been able to come back?

I have to admit, I was pretty much depressed when I saw he needed surgery, just b/c DC Sports isn't very good. We need this.

I will not give the Nats' trainers a shred of credit after their assessments of Wang, Flores, and others the last two years.

I think JZ and Stras are just god-like.

[pineappleheadindc]

^

It could be worse.

The Nats could be using the Wizards crack medical team <quack, quack>.

Which would mean that by now, Strasburg would have had his arm amputated at the shoulder. And, in typical Wizards fashion, probably the wrong arm.

[Rafael122]

Pitching for the Potomac Nats on Friday.

[Rafael122]

3 shutout innings, 5 strikeouts. Fastball topped at 99 MPH. I think he threw some 30+ pitches.

Will most likely pitch for Double A on Wednesday or Thursday. That's going to be a hot ticket item, Harper and Strasburg. Looking good fellas, will probably be called up in September.

[Scabs304]

He should get a few starts in the majors this year and there is a big uproar about this. I think it is good if he is healthy to get him a little action before the offseason.

[Rafael122]

I would give him 1 or 2 starts and that's it. And on a pitch count, like 85-90. No need to risk it.

[Scabs304]

He is on a 50 pitch count at the moment or 3 innings (he threw another 18 pictches after his 3 innings the other day to hit 50). I think a few starts at a pitch count of 90 will helpfully either boost his confidence or give him so key points to work on over the winter so he comes back and can dominate in 2012.

[Rafael122]

Roughed up last night, but no worries, he'll bounce back. Davey Johnson said he could pitch in the September 2 game against the Mets. I have tickets for that ironically enough.

[craig01]

It's been an amazing recovery.

I just hope the Nats don't rush him at all.

[Rafael122]

1 year ago yesterday was when Strasburg got hurt, and it was against the Phillies too.

[Jollay]

6th, 11th, and 16th it looks like, barring a setback for Strasburg Thursday or Saturday.

Buy your tickets now!

[Rafael122]

Eh, I went to his MLB debut, I still have the ticket stub. I'll let everyone else have their fun. Saw him pitch 3 times last year.