Prediction on Strasburg

Kendall Rogers of Yahoo! Sports said today in his article, “Several Unsigned players still on table,” that nine first-round picks, including Stephen Strasburg have yet to sign:

“San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg was the first pick of the MLB draft and has yet to sign. However, all indications point to the stud right-hander either signing a pro contract or pulling an Aaron Crow and heading to the Independent League to prepare for another draft next summer….”

“Prediction: Strasburg reportedly is asking for one of the largest signing bonuses in professional history, but if he signs, there’s a good chance he’ll agree to much less than his original demands….For now, I’ll say Strasburg signs by the deadline.”

While Rogers doesn’t really say what basis he has for his prediction, it is reasonable. I would assume that not even Boras expected to get 50 million dollars for Strasburg, just as he probably didn’t expect Manny to get the contract he was demanding this summer either. If you set the bar really high however, then the club will be forced to meet you somewhere in the middle. That middle number may be what Boras was actually expecting when demanding the outrageous first number.

I really expect the Nationals to sign Strasburg.