Strasburg out again

Last time Stephen Strasburg was scheduled to pitch on television, he missed his Arizona Fall League start because of a strained neck muscle. He'll miss another televised start on Saturday, this time with a different ailment.

Strasburg was scratched from Saturday's Arizona Fall League championship game (scheduled to be televised on the MLB Network) because of a twisted left knee, according to the Nationals. An MRI showed inflammation on his left knee, but the team said the injury is not considered serious. Still, he will be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum on Los Angeles in Friday as a precaution.

I know some of you are disappointed not to see him pitch, but the Nationals are going to be cautious with Strasburg, almost to the point of overdoing it. It probably means there will be a setback or two in spring training, either with a high pitch count or a minor injury, and I'm guessing he'll start the season in the minors.

Sorry to throw cold water on things, but with a prospect this expensive (and possibly this good), the Nats are going to protect their investment.