Signed and Sealed. Can he deliver?

The top overall pick in this year's MLB Amateur draft agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals last night. Stephen Strasburg, a Scott Boras client, signed a record setting $15.67 million contract for four years. The previous record of $10 million had been given to former USC pitcher Mark Prior. Prior burst onto the major league scene with Kerry Wood, but flamed out quickly with a rash of injuries.

Hopes are high for Stasburg as he now becomes the best pitching prospect the Nationals have ever had. Can he help the Nats dig their way out of the basement next year? Will the Nationals baby him the way the Yanks have handled Joba Chamberlain? It will very interesting to follow Stasburg for the rest of the year and into the off-season.

He seems to have all the makings of being major league ready right now. He hits 100 mph on the radar gun and has a nasty breaking pitch. So it will be fun to watch how fantasy owners treat him in their drafts next year.

Is it worth picking up Mr. Strasburg in a keeper league at this point? Will he make an impact next year? I doubt he will give you more than any of the top pitchers going this season. Is he worth more than keeping a Ricky Nolasco? I don't think so. But if you keep more than three players or you have no pitching on your roster for next year, it might be worth the gamble. You just have to be ready for Stasburg to have his ups and downs throughout next season. I mean, you have to remember, he is now a National.