The Strasburg Effect

Stephen Strasburg finally has a check in the loss column. I was thinking that he might pitch for 15 years and never lose a game. I say that jokingly and seriously. The guy is a freak. His latest stat line (8 hits) has me a little alarmed. I was very suprised to see the Royals get 8 hits off this guy but I still want to put forth a little theory I have. Remember that you heard it here first. I want credit for this in the books of history. So what is this groundshaking revelation? It is known as the 'Strasburg Effect.'

The Strasburg Effect is simply the belief that after facing Strasburg all other pitchers look mediocre. After watching 98+ mph fastballs for an entire game an 88 or 92 mph fastball looks like it is being placed on a tee. I think it will be interesting to watch how teams hit against opposing pitchers in the days after facing Strasburg. I don't know if the numbers (e.g., batting average, runs, etc.) will be indicative of this theory but I think player perception (e.g., seeing the ball at the plate, picking up release points) will definitely back it up. There is no way on earth you go from seeing 97-100 mph heat for 5-9 innings and then not see a difference at the plate when facing a guy with max velocity of 91 mph the next day.

Remember you heard about the Strasburg Effect right here.