The day that everyone in baseball, especially those fans of the Washington Nationals, has been waiting for has finally been announced.

The Major League debut of pitching phenom and first overall selection in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft Stephen Strasburg will occur on June 8th against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park, home of the Nationals, according to a report from MLB.com’s Bill Ladson.

Strasburg, who has been dominating the Minor Leagues (6-2, 1.43ERA, 60K in 50.1IP) will showcase to the world his explosive fastball, as well as outstanding breaking stuff, showing them why he was handed the richest contract ever given to a draft pick at $15.1 million.

The 6’4, 220lbs right hander has hit 100mph on the radar gun with his fastball and was next to untouchable in his final year at San Diego State University going 13-1 with a 1.32ERA with 195 strikeouts in 109 innings pitched before being drafted by Washington.

The Nationals were smart in delaying Strasburg’s process through the Minor League system as they allowed him more time to develop as well as push back the amount of times he will hit arbitration from four to three, which in turn saves the Nationals from having to pay Strasburg another arbitration amount or go to a hearing.

Strasburg will also not pick up the necessary 118 days of service time that would make him eligible to become a super two type player after 2012 which also saves the Nationals financially.

Ladson reports that the Nationals will most likely free up a roster spot for Strasburg by demoting Luis Atiliano, Craig Stammen or J.D Martin, a decision that will be made later this week.

Tuesday June 8th 2010 will mark one of the most exciting days in baseball, more so for the fans of the Nationals as we all may be witnessing the birth of a phenom.

I personally cannot wait!

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