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The Hype Machine is one contraption I refuse to get into.
Every year, in almost every sport, a rookie comes in and becomes the talk of the town.

For the most part, the hype becomes just that.

Last season, everyone and their mother were looking forward to seeing what would become of 2009 overall No. 1 pick Stephen Strasburg as he began the 2010 season with the Washington Nationals.

Out of practically nowhere the Nationals became the hottest ticket in D.C. and Strasburg delivered with an outstanding 14-strikeout debut on June 8, 2010

As amazing as it was, I was far from ready to crown him. Sure what he was accomplishing with solid and he seemed to be holding his own in the Majors.
I was impressed with what he was able to accomplish and it’s always great to see an athlete live up to the hype. But just two months later he was on the DL as he heard three words no pitcher ever wants to hear, Tommy John Surgery.

It’s very heads or tails to determine if a pitcher will be back on top of their game once they return… if they return.

The last breakthrough pitcher that had this happen to him was Francisco Liriano and it was definitely a long road until he got back to being a solid pitcher. Sure, he’s not as dominant as he was during his 2006 rookie campaign before getting injured, but it’s good to see him doing well. After, all he did throw a no-hitter in May.

Recently, Strasburg has begun his recovery to get back on the mound for the Nationals after more than a year of hiatus.

I’m looking forward to seeing if he would still have what it takes to throw 14 strikeouts.

I’m sure the fans are looking forward to his return.

ESPN SportsCenter is already back on Strasburg watch as they prep their high-powered microscope above him.

I understand that they are, once again, hyping his return. But it’s got to be tough that hype will always surround his every move throughout his career.

This is a man who went through some serious surgery and fans can only hope he can still pitch as well as he did in those two months last year.

Injuries continue to be a part of the game, which is unfortunate. Tommy John Surgery has broken many but some, like Liriano, can overcome it and return to decent form. But the fans, and myself, don’t want to see a decent Strasburg, we want to see an outstanding Strasburg. Here’s to hoping for a strong comeback on the mound. Sure the Nationals won’t be an instant champ with him, but he’s about the most exciting thing they got going on right now.

The Cut-Off Man Chris Berry Interactive Chris Berry Interactive