The Week Ahead: The Strasburg era begins

Finally, it’s Stephen Strasburg time.

On Tuesday, the man with the million-dollar arm (or $50 million, if Scott Boras gets his way) will be the first player selected in the First-Year Player Draft.

After months of hype and wonder over Strasburg, he of the 100-mph fastball and ridiculous control, he’ll finally be a pro. Well not exactly. He’ll have to sign first, and don’t expect that to happen quickly. But you get the point.

The MLB draft obviously doesn’t compare to the NFL or the NBA when it comes to hype and excitement, but the presence of Strasburg, the greatest pitching prospect since -- well maybe, ever? - should make Tuesday fun.

After the Nats make him the top pick, things will get a little more complicated, as teams stock up on more mortal talents like Dustin Ackley and Aaron Crow.

You can see a nice mock draft here, and a good list of the top 33 prospects here.

There’s yet another list here.

On Tuesday, return to Circling the Bases for a recap of the draft. You’ll be able to find bios of the top players on Rotoworld.com.

Now, on to a great week of baseball action ...

FIVE SERIES TO WATCH

Yankees at Red Sox, June 9-11: They’re the top two teams in the AL East, fierce rivals, and longtime antagonists. Their fans hate each other even more than the players do. What’s not to like?

Phillies at Mets, June 9-11: These two teams have been trying to create their own version of Red Sox-Yankees. And while it hasn’t reached that level, it still makes for some entertaining baseball. It helps, too, that they’re No. 1 and 2 in the NL East.

Mets at Yankees, June 12-14: In the latest version of the Subway Series, these two teams bring their rivalry to the new Yankee Stadium for the first time.

Red Sox at Phillies, June 12-14: Could this be a preview of the World Series? Way too early to say, of course, but it’s an interesting idea to think about. Also gives Boston a chance to rest Big Papi.

Dodgers at Rangers, June 12-14: Heck, maybe THIS matchup is a World Series preview. The Dodgers are dominating the NL, and the Rangers just keep on making fools out of everyone who expects them to start losing.

ON THE TUBE

Monday, 7:05 p.m. ET: Rays at Yankees (ESPN)
Wednesday, 7:10 p.m.: Yankees at Red Sox (ESPN)
*Saturday, 4:10 p.m.: Cardinals at Indians (FOX)
*Saturday, 4:10 p.m.: White Sox at Brewers (FOX)
*Saturday, 4:10 p.m.: Mets at Yankees (FOX)
Sunday, 1 p.m.: Mets at Yankees (TBS)
Sunday, 8:05 p.m.: Cardinals at Indians (ESPN)

*Check local listings

And finally, for some fantasy tips for this week, click here.