Why Strasburg should be in the All-Star game

Major League Baseball has an opportunity this month to parlay some built-in star power and extend the excitement of Stephen Strasburg’s rookie season.

Two losses, including Monday’s poor 7th inning, aside, the Washington Nationals' phenom should be on the National League roster for the All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif.

The traditional format of an all-star game makes it easy for Charlie Manuel of the Phillies to select Strasburg. Most pitchers go one inning – so the Nationals shouldn’t have to worry about a pitch count – and the overriding reason for the exhibition in the first place is it’s a treat for the fans.

Speaking of the fans, check the turnstile at Monday's game in Atlanta for Exhibit A of how much fans care. In the days between Strasburg's last start and Monday, the Braves sold more than 21,000 tickets, and nearly 10,000 on Monday alone. It's not like this was Chicago or Philadelphia. Atlanta is arguable the most apathetic sports town in the country, especially on a non-holiday Monday. But they showed up for the Strasburg sensation.

His numbers are historic. In his first four starts, he broke a 55-year strikeout record when he recorded 41 strikeouts.

That came after he fanned 32 in his first three starts, the most since J.R. Richard struck out 29 in 1971.

He has superstar power rarely seen in baseball. As Mark Bradley wrote in the AJC, it's usually seen in the NBA.

Don't give me the tired, old man argument of "paying dues" or he hasn't been in the majors long enough. If you're all-star caliber and the fans want you there, you should be there. There should be 15 pitchers on the roster. Not only is Strasburg among the top 15, he’s probably in the top five.

Strasburg's stats further help the argument. Despite virtually no run support in two losses, Strasburg has struck out 48, walked seven in 31 2/3 innings. How is he not among the best 10-12 pitchers in the National League? Before Strasburg's debut, Curt Shilling said he might be the best pitcher in the league, and not many have argued against that in his first five starts.

The National League’s 13-game losing streak in the All-Star game should be more of a reason to select him.

Major League Baseball has fallen behind the NFL and NBA in the way it markets its superstars. Well, this is its best young superstar in at least 30 years, and to grow the game and bring in both the traditional and casual fan, MLB needs Strasburg in the Midsummer Classic.

Especially because home field advantage is at stake, the NL has a better chance of winning if he’s on the mound. He should be there, regardless of his age or experience.