It's MONDAY!

No, I am not really that excited. Maybe I will be later today if the Mariners can get Dustin Ackley signed. That pales in comparison, however, to the other possible major signing today, of Steven Strasburg. The former San Diego State pitcher, coached by none other than Tony Gwynn himself, routinely hit 100-plus last season and is considered the best prospect in years. Rare as it is, the 2009 draft was him and everyone else, including Ackley.

Pretty fun to be involved in the number one pick, living in DC and the number two pick, which was Ackley. Usually that would be a dubious sign, but the M's are pretty good for a rebuilding team and the Nats are 3-0 in games I've been to. Plus they have the Taj Mahal of ballparks, which they should since it was paid for by the nation of taxpayers and is currently funded by Exxon. Oh, what oil money can, and maybe in Strasburg's case, can't buy.

Now, this is not an argument for the Nationals not taking Exxon's money. I repeat, if Exxon wants to spend millions supporting a professional baseball team, fine. Good for the Nat's. They'll need it if Scott Boras gets his way.

The story here is a pitcher, so-far un-used in the big leagues, who wasn't exactly a five-star guy out of high school, being offered more than $10 million before he throws a pitch. You'll get no argument from me that the day he signs with the Nationals he will immediately be the best pitcher in the organization. But should a guy that plays every five days actually earn that much? Especially one that has never pitched a day in the pros?

There are all kinds of a "can't miss guys" in this game. Ken Griffey Jr,, Alex Rodriguez, Felix Hernandez, Evan Longoria, nine of the first 11 picks in the 2005 class (not including the Mariners' pick of course - Jeff Clement), but there are also some can't-miss guys that missed. You all remember Ryan Anderson? Josh Hamilton very nearly was one. Kris Benson is more famous for his parking lot activities with his model wife, or her threat of retribution if he cheated on her. Seven pitchers were taken in the top ten of the 2000 draft. None are names you've heard of. And Mark Prior? He was the prototype. I remember watching him pitch and thinking he has perfect mechanics and great stuff. Currently he is waiting by the phone for a team that needs an oft-injured hard thrower.

Top draft picks don't always pan out in any league, but especially not pitchers. There are just far too may variables. However, if the Nationals, who need to save face here, want to pay the man $30 million, so be it. The issue is Scott Boras. Yes, he is good at getting his players money. But he is taking a big risk. If Strasburg turns down an offer that frankly is in the stratosphere, then goes to Japan and gets hurt, all of the sudden his record earning potential is nothing. Zilch. Nada. Gone. Is that worth the risk?

We'll know by 12:01 am tonight.

Other links:

The Texas Rangers? Really? Leaders of the Wild Card.

Refusing to believe this happened to Tiger.

Some info on Jake Locker signing with the Angels.

ESPN is going to the U.K.

The first hurricane of the season is here.

It appears the public option in the healthcare plan is dead. Honestly, I didn't think this would happen. That said, it isn't surprising.

Clash of the titans in Texas politics.

The yearly fire fight in California. David Richey once fought these and now works for the Governator. I do not envy him, but respect him very much for it.

Both chambers are still on recess. More later.