Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg made headlines this weekend over All-Star Game participation. Here is why the ace is right.
The timing for Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg to tell the world he was done pitching in All-Star Games, but his message should send alarm bells throughout the industry.
With Washington hosting the All-Star Gala next July, and fans huddled together for WinterFest, this was supposed to be a happy news weekend. A new dark-blue alternate jersey was announced in time for the holiday shopping season. Single-game tickets went on sale.
Instead, we got real news. Strasburg told the press, including ESPN:
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"“I mean, I think I felt like, at the All-Star break, it was a tough situation. Might have to rethink about if I’m going to actually pitch or not pitch in an All-Star Game — whether I’ll actually go altogether. That was the issue I felt like was the reason why I got hurt.”"
Before those you who remember when complete games were common, and the All-Star Game was the height of summer, remember that team’s philosophies have changed. The days of a starter throwing three innings in the Mid-Summer Classic are over.
Pitch counts changed everything. Today’s starters are taught to give everything they have for 100 pitches and watch the rest. Whether he hits he number in the fifth or eighth inning means nothing. Modern hurlers throw harder than their older peers. No longer must a pitcher spare a bullpen or force himself to finish.
Preparation between starts, throwing and weights, also has advanced from the 1970s. These routines are crucial for Strasburg and others to do their job. When you add in the five-fold increase in teams making the playoffs from the 1960s, along with the added pressure of winning a title, you can understand that routines are important.
Even if means skipping the All-Star Game in your front yard.
When you think about it, Strasburg is right. You prepare the same way between starts. Then, you do the normal 20 minutes of warm up to throw an inning. A week’s worth of work for 15 pitches and rapid recovery. The focus is on winning, not excelling in a glorified exhibition game.
The timing is suspect. But, Strasburg is a private man. He is unlikely calling Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post to share ideas during his down time. (It is possible.) He was asked a question and answered. Harmless.
What should scare Major League Baseball is other pitchers must feel the same way. Although it is an honor to take the mound for an All-Star Game, your starting pitchers alter their routine with 70 games left hurting their preparation for those big games down the stretch.
Unless MLB wants to use strictly relievers, they must deal with Strasburg’s legitimate concerns while promoting one of baseball’s grandest traditions.
Next: Predicting the Nats bench
That is a tall order.