What the 1st overall pick in the 2009 draft might get

With the Padres 2008 season a near complete loss, it's time to start focusing on how to salvage as much as possible from this year, and put all efforts to improving things for years to come. The worst part about discussing things like this is that many frown upon this type of talk as taboo, suggesting things like giving up, and that you never try to lose. I fully understand that view point, but in this persons opinion it's all perspective. I prefer to see this as ultimately trying to win more. It's tough to say out loud, but at this stage, the very best thing that could happen to our boys is that they lose come in dead last in MLB. The very last place team earns the right to the 1st overall pick in the MLB draft, and don't fret Padre fans, remember this isn't the same FO as it was back when Matt Bush was drafted with this pick.
There is a specific kid that is likely going to be snatched up with that #1 pick, and his name is Stephen Strasburg. He's a big, strong, power pitching righty out of SDSU.........yup in our own backyard under Tony Gwynn's instruct. This year he was the only collegiate player to make the trip to China and play in the Olympics.......By the time the games were over, everyone in the baseball world knew exactly who this flamethrower was. This guy is so advanced already that it's conceiveable that he'll spend less than 2 full seasons on the farm before he's brought up. This of course could be wishful thinking on my part, but I think he's that good. So here is the write up on this guy......read.......enjoy.......drool along with us.........

Play Ball !!!

Strasburg, Stephen
Position: RHP
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht/Wt: 6′5/215
Born: 7/20/1988
School: San Diego State

2008 Stats:
NCAA: 8-1, 1.57 ERA, 97 IP, 16 BB, 133 K
USA Baseball (Collegiate): 3-0, 1.06 ERA, 34 IP, 16 H, 6 BB, 48 K
USA Baseball (Olympic): 1-1, 2.45 ERA, 11 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 16 K

Summary:
Strasburg is the most hyped player in the country heading into 2009. Already thought of as the top pitcher in college, Strasburg recorded 23 strikeouts while throwing a one hitter against Utah on April 11.

“I’ve seen a lot of baseball,” said SDSU coach Tony Gwynn. “I have never seen anything like that.”

Strasburg throws his fastball in the upper 90’s and has been reported as high as 100. He also throws a plus plus slider and an effective changeup. He changes speeds well and moves the ball around the strikezone. Strasburg’s delivery is smooth and easy.

He was the closer for San Diego State in 2007.

Quotes:
U.S. Olympics Team manger Davey Johnson on Strasburg- He’s a power pitcher. He is in the high 90’s and he throws strikes. That is kind of a rarity for even Triple-A-type guys. Here’s a guy who pounds the strike zone awfully good and he was lights out in the tournament. He is one of my starters.”

Honors/Achievements:
2008 USA Baseball Olympic Team
2008 USA Baseball National (Collegiate) Team
2008 NCBWA District Player of the Year
2008 Louisville Slugger All-American Team
2008 MWC Pitcher of the Year
2007 Lousville Slugger Freshman All-American
2007 Mountain West co-freshman of the year