Athletics Keep Dealing, Bring Back Stras

Post date: Jul 7, 2017 3:52:20 PM

Stephen Strasburg back in an A's uniform after big trade

Almost exactly three years from the time that he was traded away, former Athletics draft pick and phenom Stephen Strasburg is coming back to Philly.

The A's sent starting pitchers Alex Cobb and Dylan Bundy, newly signed pitcher Chris Rusin, and fifth round Minors Draft picks from 2019 and 2020 to the Portland Wolfpack for the big right-hander.

Strasburg had originally entered the WFBL on July 17, 2008 as the first round pick of the Athletics in the 2008 Minors (then "Amateur") Draft at third overall. He followed Portland's selection of Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish and Boston's selection of shortstop Tim Beckham.

Little did anyone know that Strasburg would end up pitching for all three of those teams in the coming years. He made his WFBL debut with the A's in late 2010, but was quickly lost for a year due to Tommy John surgery.

Upon his return, Strasburg became the dominant ace-caliber young starting pitcher that many had forecast. He finished the 2012 season as the A's #2 starter behind Cole Hamels, and then as the team's #2 starter behind Darvish in 2013.

On May 20, 2014 the Athletics shipped Strasburg to Boston in a straight-up swap for lefty David Price, as the two division rivals swapped starting pitching aces.

"We were concerned about Stephen's long term physical status at that time," said GM Matt Veasey. "And, or course, David was every bit the ace starter that Stephen was, so we saw it as keeping the talent leve, but with more stability perhaps."

Strasburg had a big year with Boston, helping lead the Bulldogs to the WFBL Championship that season. While he continued to succeed when healthy, Strasburg did indeed run into stints on the Disabled List with Boston in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

After he helped to lead Boston to a second WFBL Championship last season, Strasburg was dealt to Portland this past January 15 at the Winter Meetings along with James Shields and A.J. Ramos. Dawgs GM Chris Mitchell received young starter Jon Gray, pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, reliever Kyle Barraclough, and a first round Minors Draft pick.

At the time of the trade to Philly, Strasburg was leading Portland with 39.2 innings pitched, and was second on the Pack with 35 strikeouts.

"We're excited to have Stephen back, and to pair him at the top of our rotation with Chris Sale," said manager Buck Showalter. "He'll be in the rotation right away, and we expect those two guys to be there for us week after week."

Strasburg will turn 29 years of age this summer. Veasey has been trying to build the A's back to contending status with young players who can be here in Philly for the long term. Does Strasburg fit that profile?

"We're looking to win long term, sure," said the GM. "But we also think that we can contend right now. This year, and over the next couple of years. We see a healthy Stephen Strasburg as a big piece of that puzzle."

Strasburg staying healthy will be the big question. If the A's can just get out of him what Boston did over the last three years, they will be happy. If they get more, it may prove a key to the club regaining the Owens/East Pennant, and making another title run.