Whew! The Nationals signed prized first round pick Stephen Strasburg to a record four year, 15.1 million dollar deal, FOXSports.com is reporting.
Strasburg will receive a $7.5 million signing bonus, payable in three installments — $2.5 million 15 days after his deal is approved, $2.5 million on Jan. 10, 2010 and $2.5 million on Jan. 10, 2011.
Strasburg will earn a 400,000 prorated salary for the remainder of this season. Strasburg has great command for his age, never issuing more than two walks in a start. It will be interesting to see where the Nationals place him.
The Nationals may send him on brief tour of the minor leagues to fill some minor league ballparks for a couple weeks before giving him a major league start. assuming his success continues at the professional level. He has already pitched 109.0 innings this season and has been working out all summer. The Nationals, already 24.5 games out, should be careful not to overuse their young star prospect.