It looks like my chances of seeing Stephen Strasburg pitch in New Britain are pretty good:

Stephen Strasburg’s schedule is aligned for him to pitch April 3, the same day the Nationals play an exhibition in Nationals Park against the Red Sox. The timing led to speculation Strasburg may pitch, but Manager Jim Riggleman squashed the idea today.

If he pitches on the third, he’ll start Harrisburg’s opener on April 8th. Since Harrisburg does not have a day off before they get to New Britain, Strasburg should start the Friday game on April 23rd. Even if rain outs push him back, he’s still likely to start on Saturday or Sunday. I also suspect that if a start other than his gets rained out, Strasburg would stay on five days rest.

The Rockcats, I’m betting, would be very happy to have Stephen go on the 23rd. The game starts at noon. Those early weekday games are for school field trips, and attract very few fans outside of the students. If Stephen goes that day, the late night ESPN crew will be there, and I also suspect a lot of people will find a way to take their lunch hour at the park.

I have tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday games, six rows behind home plate, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Update: Now I see that Starsburg won’t pitch until the 11th in Altoona. That means he would miss New Britain entirely! I’ll have to hope for a couple of rainouts.