When is it Strasburg Time?

Without a doubt, even before he pitches in a Major League game, Stephen Strasburg is already the Washington Nationals best player. Trouble for Nationals management...everyone knows it, and they want him now. Now, Washington ain't exactly your typical "gotta win now" type of environment, in fact, it's just about the opposite. But when your franchise has been starved of an image ever since Vlad Guerrero left the Expos, you start to get a little bit restless as a fan. Strasburg, once he arrives, will not only be the image of the Nationals, but should be a Tim Lincecum-like figure known throughout the sports world. But, when do the Nationals decide it's time?

If you're a Nats fan (are there any?), then I can't blame you for wanting Strasburg in the rotation now. Then again, with the lack of fans, I'm surprised Nats management hasn't pulled the trigger on this one just to fill the seats every fifth day. But there's a method to this madness. The last thing that starved franchise needs is for their precious possession to be rushed into action and end up like:

David Clyde - The Rangers rushed the 18 year old phenom to the majors to sell tickets, only to see his arm burn-out a few years later.

Mark Prior - Prior was a good pitcher for a few years (3rd in CY voting in 2003), but the Cubs rushed him to the majors the year after he was drafted...his arm and his career suffered.

Andrew Miller - Called up a year after being picked by the Tigers and almost put on the postseason roster. He was a huge part of the Miguel Cabrera trade and just hasn't been able to the the magic that made him a high first round pick.

So, while team management may want to sell tickets to settle their clamoring fans, they need to err on the side of caution with their young phenom. It'd be one thing if they could realistically could contend by adding him, but they aren't contending in a division with the Phillies anytime soon. Bottom line, give Strasburg time in the minors. Allow him a chance to develop his arsenal, build his arm set, and find a sense of humility before you unveil him to Major League audiences. If the Nats fail to give the guy time, he could end up being Mark Prior, part deux.