March 8 - Strasburg hype is beginning to build

VIERA, Fla. - The hype is beginning to build here at Space Coast Stadium as we get set for the spring debut of the Nationals number one draft pick, Stephen Strasburg on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers.

Strasburg will face the Tigers Rick Porcello, who went 14-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 31 starts last season. While Porcello went through a lot of attention when he was drafted with the 27th pick in the first round in 2007, its been nothing like the hype and expectation that has come with Strasburg when the Nationals took him with the first overall pick last season.

Strasburg signed a $15.1 million deal last season, the highest amount ever awarded to a draft pick.

Nationals' third baseman, Ryan Zimmerman doesn't think Strasburg will be affected on Tuesday by the added attention because of the way he has handled things to this point.

"It's not good to be scared," Zimmerman said. "If you're nervous, it obviously means something to you but I think he will be fine."

"I think we are all excited to watch him throw. I think we're even more excited for him to be able to get out there and do his thing and hopefully, everyone will leave him alone after that," Zimmerman said laughing. "He's done well with everything he's gone through and I just hope he does well."

Nationals' center fielder, Nyjer Moran has seen Strasburg throw on the side and is looking forward to the atmosphere Tuesday will bring.

"The kid is special," Morgan said. "You don't see stuff like this everyday. It's special, just watching that arm and just seeing something like that is something you have to see for yourself. It's special."

Drew Storen, the Nationals other first round pick last year, will also throw in the game against the Tigers.

"You are going to see a polished, young pitcher with incredible stuff," Storen said. "You are going to see he is worth every bit of attention he is getting because he is that good. It's going to be a lot of fun. The ball comes out of his hand a little bit differently than it does mine and it's a lot of fun to just see him throw in the bullpen."

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