Predict Steven Strasburg's line tonight
Prediction Tuesday has no real ring to it, but I don’t care.
We need to do some good old fashioned prognosticating in the bar today.
For those of you who are new to Connolly’s since the location switched to Orioles Insider and didn’t participate in our Prediction Friday during the Ravens’ season, here’s the deal.
If your prediction is closest to the mark, you’ll receive an open bar tab at Connolly’s all week. If you are pretty darn close, you’ll get a free drink chip tossed your way. If you stink, you’ll get nothing and like it. And all the prizes have the same retail value: nada (that’s Spanish for zilch).
But if you get close, you will be recognized by your humble bartender and be the envy of your fellow patrons, and what’s better than that?
Stephen Strasburg, the 21-year-old phenom and 2009 No. 1 pick, is making his major league debut tonight at Nationals Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. You probably know that by now.
I’ll be there in the press box, just another sweaty cog in Strasburg’s hype machine. I’ve talked to friends out of the business who hope Strasburg struggles, just because he’s been anointed without ever throwing a major league pitch.
I’ve also talked to friends in the business who believe every fawning word is justified, that this kid is a once-in-a-generation talent. I’m curious to see this spectacle myself.
And I am also curious to hear how you think he will do in his debut tonight. I think it is going to be good, but not stunning. Here’s my prediction: 5 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3BB, 5K. No-decision.
Now it is your turn.
Daily Think Special: Predict Steven Strasburg’s line tonight
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
5 innings, 5 hits, 2 walks, 3 earned runs, 4 strikeouts, no decision.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 8, 2010 7:35 AM
6 1/3 innings, 5 hits, 3 walks, 6 k's 1 earned run, Win
Posted by: Tim | June 8, 2010 7:55 AM
6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6Ks
Posted by: DoberDad | June 8, 2010 8:09 AM
I predict Strasburg get's a W before Millwood does.
6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, W.
Posted by: Ferg Deluxe | June 8, 2010 8:23 AM
1/3 inning pitched
4 walks
5 hits
9 runs
1 strike out
trip back to minors
Posted by: Mike | June 8, 2010 8:24 AM
So you are going to miss Millwood going for his first win of the season to catch the Nats rookie's first game? Did you win the lottery or draw the short straw? I bet Z-man gets stuck in Baltimore, doesn't he?
Nice how Strasburg gets to face the Pirates at home instead of the Yankees in NY. That can't hurt his cause any, since the Pirates pretty much suck at scoring runs as it is. I'll go with:
6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, and no decision because Capps gets so amped up going against his former team he blows another save. Nats win in 11, 5-4.
..............................................................................................
Jeff Z's reply: Yes Jack, you are absolutely right.
Posted by: CSB Jack | June 8, 2010 9:29 AM
6IP,
6 H,
3ER
4BB,
4K.
No-decision
Lots of Orioles fans get googly-eyed towards DC and I hate them for it.
Posted by: Seth B | June 8, 2010 9:37 AM
Let's remember that he's pitching against the Pirates tonight, who have scored a grand total of 1 more run than the O's this year. I figure he'll post numbers similar to what he did against AAA lineups, which is basically what he's facing tonight.
6.0 IP, 3H, 0ER, 1BB, 7K
Posted by: Brad | June 8, 2010 9:43 AM
Got a huntch the Pirates won't know what hit 'um but there's no way the Nats let a rookie go the whole game.
7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BBs, 10 Ks, W.
Posted by: Ben S | June 8, 2010 10:13 AM
Ya gotta consider the quality (or lack thereof) of the opponent. I see the following:
7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER (homer), 3 BB, 5 K, W.
Posted by: Jason | June 8, 2010 10:51 AM
Mike,
those would be his stats if he were pitching for the O's
Posted by: richard | June 8, 2010 11:06 AM
6 innings...2 walks...3 hits...5 k's...no runs.
A bit better than our young savior Chris Tillman.
Posted by: jack | June 8, 2010 11:31 AM
I have lost faith in young players.
Something average probably.
5.2IP (to get ovation)
2 ER
2 BB
2 K
ND
P.s IM GOIN TO THE GAME TONIGHT!
Posted by: Ben Pockros | June 8, 2010 11:32 AM
CG: 9 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K, W
Why the hell not?
Posted by: NewHittingCoachPlease | June 8, 2010 11:47 AM
CSB Jack....are you kidding, the Z man in NY is a gimme. He runs with a high-end crowd that Z man.
7 IP
4 hits
7 K's
0 BB
0 R
W
Plus, he goes 1-3 at the plate.
Gnats beat Bucs 6-1
Posted by: Rob K. | June 8, 2010 11:48 AM
5 IP
4 H
4 ER
3 BB
4 SO
Posted by: Rick | June 8, 2010 12:14 PM
Since I don't want to be the same as everyone else:
8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 12 K, 2 BB, 1 W & batting 1-3, single, 1 RBI, 1 BB.
I'll wait for my award.
Posted by: AZ Chuck | June 8, 2010 12:15 PM
7 IP 2 ER 7K's 3 BB for the win
If Andy's not careful the blur on the freeway will be the Nats blowing by the O's in the standing.
Posted by: Chad | June 8, 2010 12:22 PM
4 2/3 IP, 5H, 4R, 4BB, 3k, 1 HBP, 2 WP, 1 PASSED BALL. Loss. 0-1
Posted by: Sudhir | June 8, 2010 12:23 PM
6.2 IP, 5 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
He's good.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 8, 2010 12:30 PM
I'm an O's fan living in DC, but I guessed correctly and have tickets to Strasburg's debut. I will have my O's hat on though!
6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 Unearned Run, 2 BB, 7 K, W
Posted by: Mikepcfl | June 8, 2010 12:50 PM
6IP 7K 2BB 5H 2ER
Ill be there tonite!
Funny, you guys bustin on the Pirates, you know what they say about people in glass houses...
Posted by: mgdc | June 8, 2010 12:54 PM
6 IP, 2H, 2 BB, 1 ER and 6K. He'll also get the win and Capps comes through with a save. Meanwhile, about 35 miles N of DC the Yankees will beat the O's 7 to 3 and the 15 O's fans who went to the game will ask themselves why they still root for an Angelos' owned team.
Posted by: Chris | June 8, 2010 1:04 PM
9 inn, 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 walks, 27 K's
Then he will put on a display as to how to walk on water.
Posted by: wallace | June 8, 2010 2:07 PM
2 1/3 innings 6h 5runs 3bb 3k
He takes the loss........
WELCOME to the BIGS
Posted by: ed miller | June 8, 2010 2:27 PM
Doesn't Strasburg pitch for that OTHER team? WHO CARES ! THIS IS THE ORIOLES PLACE ? Since when are the Nationals & the Orioles interchangable ?
Posted by: Anonymous | June 8, 2010 2:34 PM
Well, I think your start is about right: 5 2/3. It will take the Bucs one time + through the order to get over the hype.
A lot depends on whether the pitcher or the batters are most nervous. I think that Strasburg's age will work against him. The vets in the Bucs lineup will be trying too hard in the beginning but, if they're smart, will try to go deep in the count to see what he has and so the rest can get an idea of what he is relying on.
My guess is 5+ inn, 4 BB, 4 H, 3 ER. 4 K, 0-1 at the end of the night (unless the Nats pick him up after he leaves the game which will mean 0-0).
Posted by: jchaupt18 | June 8, 2010 2:41 PM
Are the Pirates any better than some of the AAA teams he's been tearing through?
7 IP 1R 8H 1BB 7K Win
(Also wishing thinking because he's on my fantasy team. Double bummer: I had to drop BRob to add him but based on the latest news, BRob won't be seeing the field any time soon anyway)
Posted by: Dibs | June 8, 2010 4:56 PM
Easy win:
6 1/3 inn
5 hits
1 earned run
8 k's
2 walks
87 pitches
Posted by: Mickey | June 8, 2010 5:03 PM
6.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2BB, 5K. Gets the win
Posted by: sportnut | June 8, 2010 5:12 PM
Pete--No, I did not predict that Strasburg would have 14 K's tonight. I thought he would only have 13.
Just read your article on managerial candidates being interviewed by Andy MacPhail.
I hope the finalists come down to Buck Showalter, Davey Johnson, and Bobby Valentine.
We are looking for someone to drive the team. Not a Wedge.
I would be happy with either Buck, Davey, or Bobby.
Posted by: Barry | June 8, 2010 10:59 PM
it's between az chuck and ben s.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 9, 2010 3:44 AM
Whew...too bad Strassy didn't get me that hit.
And wow...no walks...who could've seen that coming.
Posted by: AZ Chuck | June 10, 2010 12:22 PM