Washington Nationals fans and fans of baseball everywhere are witnessing the beginning of something magnificent.

The 21-year-old pitching sensation Stephen Strasburg is 2-0 with 22 strikeouts in his first two starts, not a bad beginning for the right-hander.

Strasburg throws hard, the upper 90s, and he has hit 100 several times during his two starts.

Most players who throw this hard are usually classified as hurlers, guys who throw hard and hope it hits the strike zone. He has a great breaking ball that can make batters look absolutely foolish after they’ve been set up with a couple fastballs.

Possibly what is most impressive about the young phenomenon is his control and ability to put all of his pitches in the right spot.

Granted, Strasburg did hand out five free passes to first base on Sunday but the mound was more to blame than his control.

The dirt kept coming loose on the front of the mound, causing Strasburg to lose his footing.

The Cleveland Indians’ grounds crew had to rework the hill several times to keep Strasburg and other pitchers from possible injury.

Strasburg has the potential to be one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

His hat and ball from his Major League Debut are already in the Hall of Fame. His youth gives him the advantage over many others.

He has the ability to put up huge numbers in wins. His radar-busting fastball gives him huge opportunities in the strikeout department. He should be a dominant pitcher for many years to come.

I see good things in the future for Washington.

If recently drafted 17-year-old Bryce Harper can become Major-League ready soon, these two youths could set fire to the National League East division. Strasburg and Harper look like two guys to build the franchise around.

There are going to be plenty of young players who want to come and play with Strasburg and Harper for years to come, knowing that they will be playing with two of the best young players around.

While I’m not a Nationals fan, I cannot see myself rooting against the team, they play in our nation’s capital after all. I am looking forward to seeing two possibly perennial all-stars playing together for the next 15 or so years.

Jordan Boner can be reached at 581-7942 or at jeboner@eiu.edu.