Nationals treasure?

For the first time, perhaps in the team's brief existence, the Washington Nationals will be in the national spotlight this evening.

While some baseball fans likely cannot name a single Nationals player who already has suited up for Washington this season, we all know that the team's most famous player makes his major league debut tonight.

Pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg, after running roughshod over the minor leagues, will be on the mound tonight at Nationals Park when the Nats take on the Pirates.

A 6-foot-4, 220-pound San Diego native, Strasburg, 21, has been unofficially tabbed as the savior of the Nationals. He'll be under immense pressure to not only pitch well, but dominate. The hype is so incredible, a mediocre outing will not do. If he's only so-so and loses, immediately questions will arise as to whether he's overrated. If he pitches a gem, some will rush to anoint him the next great starting pitcher.

In reality, no one should read too much into one game, especially Strasburg's first in the majors. In any case, it'll be interesting to see what he can do tonight.