NL East Notes: Strasburg's extension, impact on Harvey

Most already know by now that the Washington Nationals and Stephen Strasburg have agreed to a seven-year, $175 million contract extension. Strasburg, a Scott Boras client, accepting an extension is a surprise on it's own. What's even more surprising is how much faith the Nationals are putting in the elbow of a 27-year-old.

Strasburg, a pitcher that has already recovered from Tommy John surgery, is quite the gamble for the Nationals. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, explored just how big of a gamble this is.

More from around the National League East:

• The Strasburg news has had a ripple effect throughout baseball, and that includes the New York Mets. Their ace pitcher, Matt Harvey is also a Scott Boras client. Now, the Mets have lost their built-in excuse for not re-signing their ace, a project they have two years to complete.
• More Strasburg headlines, as our good friends over at The Good Phight explain how the Nationals may have helped save the Phillies from themselves.
• The Atlanta Braves are on pace for a MLB record 134 losses, and maybe the only thing they have left to hold on to is the future.
• Are the Miami Marlins really baseball's most fascinating team? Joel Sherman of the New York Post makes the case for them as a sleeper in that category.