Boras already setting the stage for huge Strasburg contract

**CubanMustGo** · 06-10-2009

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/draft2...ory?id=4248583

WASHINGTON -- Agent Scott Boras says No. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg is "a different breed of cat," worthy of a contract far above those of this year's other draft selections.

Boras said Wednesday there's a substantial risk in giving big money to 99 percent of the draftees. But the agent placed the right-hander from San Diego State among the "premium" one percent that have a better track record of major league success.

Strasburg was chosen Tuesday by the Washington Nationals, who must sign Strasburg by Aug. 15 to retain his rights. Boras is expected to ask for a record-shattering deal.

"He's a tremendous pitching package," Nationals acting general manager Mike Rizzo said. "We weren't going to pass on the best player in the draft."

But signing him might be a major challenge, because agent Scott Boras is sure to seek a record contract that easily exceeds the $10.5 million Mark Prior received after he was drafted in 2001. (yeah, so tell me again how that deal turned out?)

As for Strasburg, he said he plans to relax for a little bit after throwing more than 100 innings this season for the Aztecs.

Strasburg leads Division I pitchers with 195 strikeouts in 109 innings this year, and was the only amateur on the U.S. Olympic team that won a bronze medal in Beijing last summer. He struck out 23 in a game against Utah last season and threw a no-hitter with 17 K's against Air Force this year.

Strasburg went undrafted out of high school, but some think he has the ability to go straight from college to the big leagues.

"It's tough to say right now," Strasburg said in a phone interview on MLB Network. "We'll see what happens."