Who will blink first?

The Washington Nationals have until midnight, August 17th to sign right-hander Stephen Strasburg or lose the rights to him. That’s less than one week away.

President Stan Kasten and acting GM Mike Rizzo have said they won't negotiate through the media. They've done an excellent job of keeping any talks between the Nationals and Strasburg's advisor, Scott Boras, quite.

It's been written that Boras is seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $50 million for his client, but I don't think it will take that much to sign him. The question is, how much should the Nationals offer to Strasburg? $15 million, $20, $30?

I don't have the answer to that, but this much I do know, I don't think Washington should break the bank for the 21-year old.

Let me explain, the kid has never pitched a day in the big leagues or in pro ball for that matter. Yes he throws over 100-MPH and has a knee-buckling breaking ball, but does that mean he deserves more money than anyone has even gotten before stepping on a Major League field? I say no.

I know Mark Prior received around $10 million when he signed and Strasburg is an once-in-a-lifetime prospect, but that's all he is at this point, a prospect.
Pitchers, of all positions in baseball, have the hardest time living up to their potential. Anyone remember the name Brien Taylor?

What I'm trying to say is, Washington should offer him $20 million and not a dollar more. More or less a take it or leave it offer. If he signs, great, if not, move on.

Will there be backlash if the Nationals fail to sign him? Of course.

But they shouldn't mortgage the future to sign him. If Washington doesn't sign him, they will get the second overall pick in the 2010 draft.

It's going to be interesting to see who will blink first.

If you ran the Nationals, what would you do? I'm interested to hear what, you, the fan, think. – Josh Bolan

Josh Bolan is a retired AP baseball reporter and now works as a freelance writer in Fresno California. Josh has been contributing to baseball publications as a writer since 1996.