103mp/h=165.76km/h

This kid throws 103mph and takes being scared in the batters box to another level. Looking at his mechanics they look pretty smooth and solid but will his body hold up.

His name is Stephen Strasburg and he's a 20 year old throwing at San Diego State University.

I won't talk about his stats because you can just assume what a 103mph pitcher can do in university against guys who won't be bidding for a spot in the majors (hint: 74Ks in 34 1/3 innings). What I am interested in is his future health. Any one that has been in baseball understands the sheer amount of stress being put on a pitching arm/shoulder when a pitcher throws a pitch at full speed. Guys out there who throw hard don't seem to last as long as guys who bore batters to sleep (Greg Maddux, Charlie Huff, and Jamie Moyer). There are exceptions to the rule though, just look at Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan, and Curt Schilling (don't get me started with Clemens). Does he have to throw 103mph to get guys out? Can he dial the knob down and throw in the high 90's while dveloping a killer change and knee jerker of a curve. But this leads to another point with injuries.

When players who don't play full speed seem to find injuries knocking on the door. Ever play shinny at the local rink? If he does find a way to preserve his health and maintain his 103mph fastball the sky is the limit for this kid. If he stays physically and mentally fit he'll, hopefully, have a great major league career and be filling the bank account with loads of cash. Which leads me to my next point.

Guess who is representing Mr. Strasburg at the bargaining table? Just GUESS!!!

The one and only superagent Mr. Scott Boras. The same dude who negotiated contracts for A-Rod, Manny, and even the "captain" Jason Varitek. This is a warning to all GM's who are thinking about drafting the rights to Stephen, watch out Boras is going to hold out until his client gets big $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

As I have read the front runner for Stephen is the Nationals who holds the #1 pick, good luck!

Big Albert

News coming out of the Dominican Republic is positive for Manny fans who are a little disappointed that he is not signed and prepping for spring training. Albert Pujols of the Cardinals is laying down the law by asking the Cardinals to go out and try and sign free agent slugger Manny Ramirez. If you read the article on Yahoo! Sports baseball page, you will see Albert being quoted as saying, “I’m not an agent or general manager, but I can’t understand how Manny has not signed.”

Hmmmmm, I guess hitting home runs and being the NL MVP is screwing with his vision/mind. Manny is not signed because he, and Mr. Boras, are asking for too much money over too many years. Why would you sign a guy like Manny for 4-5 years worth 20-25 million a year. That is absolutely over the top since he is reaching the wonderful age of 40. Yes, he can produce but are you going to get the great Manny who took the Dodgers to the playoffs or the Manny who quit on his team in Red Sox nation?

Also, I love the comment, “I speak with Manny every three days and he tells me, `Man, no one wants to sign me," People do want to sign you Manny but you have to first, ditch your agent Boras and second, bring down your asking price. Teams around the MLB want to sign you but not at the price you are asking for.

Manny, you have the championships and you are closing in on some milestones. Wake up and realize that money and this long term contract is not worth it. Financial security is great but come on I think you made enough money over your career, especially since stories are floating out in the world about you not cashing your cheques because you had no need for that kind of money.

I love Manny and I hope he finds a place to play soon. If Pujols does get his wish, imagine that one two punch in the middle of the lineup.