Stephen Strasburg: Decline or Not?

[Trent Reznor]

Stephen Strasburg is the pitching "phenom" for the Washington Nationals whose fastball could reach over 100mph and his curveball could go up against Adam Wainwright's. Unfortunately, he injured his elbow months ago and required Tommy John surgery - a surgery that could cost him velocity.

For you people out there, do you think Strasburg can still live up to the hype or will his career be floundered by that single injury?

[karmachameleon]

I do think this injury will limit his potential from being the next Roger Clemens, but several pitchers have been incredibly successful post-Tommy John surgery, so don't lose all hope. Mariano Rivera switched to a closer role and became the greatest relief pitcher of all time. John Smoltz went on to have a great relief career as well. Francisco Liriano finally recovered physically this past year and was able to hit ~96 mph consistently when he needed to during a very good year starting. Strasburg won't be able to rely on his slider as much since it puts so much strain on the arm and probably won't be able to hit 98-100 mph as consistently on his fastball, but could still easily be great in two years time if he keeps his head up and changes styles a bit, from a straight-up power pitcher a la Randy Johnson to a finesse pitcher with the ability to blow a fastball right by someone.