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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, June 9, 2009

MLB: Nationals select Strasburg with top pick in draft


By MIKE FITZPATRICK
AP Baseball Writer

SECAUCUS, N.J.— The Washington Nationals have selected pitcher Stephen Strasburg with the first pick in baseball’s amateur draft.

Considered one of the most talented prospects in the event’s 45-year history, Strasburg went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA this season for San Diego State, leading the Aztecs to their first postseason berth since 1991.
Featuring a fastball that has been clocked at 102 mph, Strasburg led Division I pitchers with 195 strikeouts in 109 innings. He was the only amateur on the U.S. Olympic baseball team that won a bronze medal last summer.
Signing the right-hander could be a challenge for the Nationals, however, because agent Scott Boras is sure to seek a record contract.
Washington also has the 10th pick in Tuesday night’s draft.