Kuzul

Yes, the Washington Nationals rookie phenom set a record with 32 strikeouts in his first three starts, and with his strikeout of the Royals Scott Podsednik today he passed Herb Score for the most strikeouts in the first four starts of a career.

And yes, Score was Rookie of the Year in 1955.

Still, all that does not equate to an All-Star nomination for one Stephen Strasburg.

So why is this man not worthy to make the roster July 13 at Angels stadium?

Because hype and a small sample size do not equal an All-Star nomination.

Look, even baseball managers aren’t immune to pressure from the hype machine.

I’m sure that Phillies manager Charlie Manuel will be feeling the heat to select Strasburg, especially if the Nationals rookie keeps up his current pace.

But here’s hoping that Manuel takes former President Reagan’s advice and just says no.

This is not to say that Strasburg isn’t going to go on to a great 2010 season, nor that he is not the best pitching prospect the majors has seen in a long time.

Rather, this is a position born of calm rationale.

In other words, relax baseball fans. If he’s truly this good, he’ll get his due in time.

Strasburg will pitch in many All-Star games in his lifetime, assuming he lives up to his potential.

But this is simply not his time.

Strasburg has made just four starts, yet if you listen to some national media it would seem that he should be anointed to the team just based on potential alone.

Hey, skip the All-Star accolades…why not just put the kid in the Hall of Fame already?

Meanwhile, Strasburg does not even show up when searching for players in Bleacher Report’s database!

From David Clyde to Mark Prior, there have been a myriad of talented starters in the majors who have failed to live up to lofty expectations.

That doesn’t mean Strasburg will be one of them.

But can’t we let the kid pitch, oh, let’s say, ten or twelve starts before we jump to conclusions?

Now, don’t discount the value of the dollar when considering whether Strasburg could be chosen to represent the National League in this year’s game.

For whereever the Wonderkid goes, he sells lots of tickets.

And don’t think for a minute that Bud Selig doesn’t want the extra attention and, more importantly, the television revenue that Strasburg could generate.

For Strasburg isn’t just a pitcher, he is a brand.

But from a strictly baseball perspective, he has simply not done enough to warrant a selection.

Sure, Strasburg has had a Top Ten list on David Letterman’s show, but in the MLB, he has started just four games.

True, he has been as advertised during those four games.

He has struck out 41 in just over 25 innings, while walking just five.

His WHIP is 0.95.

Heck, President Barack Obama has attended one of his games.

The baseball world is excited and it should be.

The kid has been amazing thus far.

But the All-Star game is supposed to be about the most worthy players of the season since its start.

And Strasburg didn’t make his first start until June 8, through no fault of his own.

Now, that rediculous rule requiring every team to have an All-Star could make a more compelling argument for Strasburg.

But Nats reliever Tyler Clippard is 8-3 with a 1.58 ERA, striking out 53 in just over 45 innings.

And Livan Hernandez has been surprisingly stellar all season.

Pudge Rodriguez is hitting .316 as a catcher in a weak NL market, and Ryan Zimmerman has 13 homers and plays outstanding defense at third base.

Also, Adam Dunn has clubbed 17 homers with a .367 OBP, and Josh Willingham has hit 13 homers with an impressive OBP of .406.

So it’s not as if Washington is lacking in candidates.

It’s fine to continue to wallow in Strasburg’s achievements, his 100 mph fastball and be awed by his unparalleled potential.

Let’s just not get too carried away, okay?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com