Even though it’s almost game time for Day 3 at the Olympics it seems silly not to mention the performance of Stephen Strasburg, who was perfect through 4 1/3, and had a no hitter through 6 2/3 in the team’s 7-0 shut out of the Netherlands, a game shortened by rain (box here).
Between various streams working and not working, plus the Korea vs. China game (which was postponed after five innings 0-0), I only saw Strausburg throw for two innings. He’s the only college pitcher on the team and has received a decent amount of ink due to that, but those stories generally understate what a prospect he is. He’s likely to be the number one pick in the amateur player draft next June. Baseball Prospectus’s Kevin Goldstein called it “one of the most impressive showings I’ve seen out of an amateur in years.”
Here’s a video of him throwing a bullpen. He’s got a nice easy delivery. Smooth follow through.
And here’s a clip of some game action. These are both of him pitching for San Diego St.
The Americans take on Cuba this morning. Cuba won its second game last night, a 7-6 thriller over Canada.
5 responses so far ↓
1 John Brooks // Aug 15, 2008 at 9:56 am
It’s good to hear that Strasburg pitched very well, even against the Netherlands. This is a kid who’s projected to go high in the 2009 draft.
Also, we’ll find out more about how far the U.S. will go when they play Cuba. If the U.S. can pull off a win against Cuba, I like our chances if we can pull off wins against Canada and China. Canada was a surprise team in 2004, but I still like to believe if we can beat Cuba that we can be a surprise team. Though we also have must wins against Taiwan and Japan, which will be difficult despite Japan’s loss to Cuba. Though from what I’m reading there are questions about Hoshino’s judgement on the current lineup.
Next, I can’t wait to see how Arrieta pitches in this tournament. He’s been nice to watch this year for Baltimore and as a O’s fan I love to see how he does on such a big international stage. It can only help his future development.
Finally, I like to complain about the lackluster TV coverage here in the States on NBC. The Korea-U.S. game was tape delayed which means I already knew the score well before the game was played. I mean it’s very disappointing that I can’t watch great peformances since NBC thinks I want to watch boxing and other lame sports and miss out on great performances like the first game and the Strasburg peformance. I promise I’m done rambling unless I miss another good performance.
2 Simon Currie // Aug 15, 2008 at 11:00 am
Would’ve liked to have seen the Strasburg gem.
Canada put up a valiant effort, and upon first glance things look even better for Canada as they outhit Cuba 9-5 in the 6-7 loss. But Cuba’s command of the strike zone was impeccable, once again. Walks in the game, Canada 1, Cuba 6. Strikeouts, Canada 12, Cuba 5.
3 Shinsano // Aug 15, 2008 at 11:04 am
I ended up watching the Canada/Cuba game on a stream I found. It’s been shut down since though. Canada really hung tough. I bet they’ll still play spoiler.
4 Orel Miraculous // Aug 15, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I don’t understand NBC either. Why they think the American viewing public would rather watch women’s volleyball than baseball I don’t know. I have been able to watch all the games live on nbcolympics.com though.
5 2008.8.15 Koshien Quarterfinals and Olympic Baseball « Japan, Hockey, Baseball, etc. // Aug 15, 2008 at 12:22 pm
[...] after the 8th because of the weather. And No.1 draft prospect and only amateur on the US team, Stephen Strasburg, dominated, going perfect for 4 2/3 and keeping a no hitter for 6 1/3 innings. The other game that was being [...]
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