I've been lucky enough to see some of the greatest pitchers of my generation ply their craft in person. I've seen Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, Bert Blyleven, Roger Clemens, Luis Tiant, Don Sutton, Frank Viola,Vida  Blue, Ron Guidry, Roy Oswalt, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux, just to name a few. These guys had that special something that set them apart. You could tell by watching them that they were on a different level. I saw the same thing last night as I watched Stephen Strasburg make his major league debut with the Washington Nationals. Of course I had heard all the hype about Strasburg but had never seen him pitch. He was amazing as he struck out 14 Pirates in 7 innings of work. A fastball around 97-98, a hard, late breaking curve that had the hitters shaking their heads....and command of his pitches. Strasburg is seen as the savior of the Nationals franchise and the place was packed for a mid-week game between two under-500 teams...and he didn't seem fazed. We have seen young, highly touted pitchers flame out before...Mark Prior is the prime example...but...and it's a big but...if Strasburg stays healthy...we are seeing the beginning of a pitcher who could be one of the best of all-time.

And don't look now but the Nationals are not a bad team. After years of putting a horrible product on the field...the new management team in DC seems to know what they are doing. This years #1 pick, Bryce Harper is another "can't miss" player who will join Strasburg in the majors soon and this team could be a contender before we know it.

The Chucks are back in action tonight after being rained out last night. You can hear the Chucks and La Crosse on Foxsports 1390 WRIG at 6:20.

Chucks outfielder Brandon King was drafted by the Orioles yesterday. He is leading the Northwoods League in hitting.

An Omaha newspaper is reporting that Nebraska could join the Big Ten as early as Friday. The Big 12 has reportedly given Nebraska and Missouri until Friday to decide if they want to stay in that conference. Rumors have been swirling that the schools have been targeted by the Big Ten who wants to expand. Nebraska would certainly be a good fit in the Big Ten...better than some of the other alternatives that have been floating around.

Songs of The Day  (from My I-pod)

Frank & Jesse James-Warren Zevon (1976) from his classic second Lp that introduced him to the world. It's full of image filled tunes about Los Angeles and people living on the outside of society...like the James boys..who he romanticizes a bit much . this is a demo recording you will hear ...less polished than the version that appears on the Lp.

Freddie's Dead-Curtis Mayfield (1972) from the soundtrack to "Superfly" comes this slice of funky early 70's soul from a sorely under-rated performer. Mayfield died to young but through his work with the Impressions and his solo work left us with some classic stuff...like this cautionary tale of life on the streets.