The K Zone

January 13th 2018

Drew Strotman

Interviewed By Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: I was wondering when you go from high school to Saint Mary’s, to the minor leagues, what was the biggest challenge when you reach each stage?

Drew Strotman: The biggest challenge going from high school to college was probably the physical one. I personally didn’t know anything about weightlifting so jumping into that and learning everything was not an easy learning curve to overcome. As for going from Saint Mary’s to minor league ball it is more of a challenge adjust away from the team aspect college (where everything is done for the better of the team) to the more individualistic approach to development as seen in the minors.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite thing about being a Ray?

Drew Strotman: My favorite thing about being a Ray is knowing the successful history of pitcher development the organization has had in the past and gives me confidence that I’m in the right hands when it comes to my future as a pitcher.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Drew Strotman: My favorite hobby outside of baseball is golf. And it relates much to pitching in the mentality and approach to the sport as well.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

Drew Strotman: I loved Max Scherzer throughout his career and aim to attack the game and hitters the way he does.

Mike Duffy: What was your favorite team growing up?

Drew Strotman: I was a natural SF Giants fan growing up. I was pretty close in distance to the Giants and A’s but always liked going to the Giants games more because their stadium was cooler!

Mike Duffy: Goals for this offseason?

Drew Strotman: My goals for this offseason include just finding ways to improve upon last season and prepare for my first full season. That means getting in great shape and fine tuning some pitches heading into spring training.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Drew Strotman: I loved the experience playing indoors at Tropicana Field. Thought Marlins Park was pretty cool when I visited there. I find it pretty hard to beat Wrigley Field. Yankee Stadium was awe-inspiring. Still yet to see Fenway Park for myself. In the Big Leagues, all of those stadiums are pretty amazing though.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite T.V. Show?

Drew Strotman: I cannot get enough of the show “Friends,” I find all of the characters so relatable in different ways and have watched it all start to finish twice now.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Drew Strotman: My only go-to for rough times is just to keep on working hard because that is what has gotten me this far and is really yet to fail.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Drew Strotman: I’ve wanted to play professional baseball since I was 4 playing around in the yard with my dad and a wiffle-ball.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Drew Strotman: My favorite baseball memory would have to be winning the conference championship my second year at SMC. The seniors that year deserved it so much and it was the first time in school history that had been done.

Mike Duffy: What is your biggest takeaway after this season?

Drew Strotman: This past season came down to great coaching to round off my repertoire as a pitcher as well as attacking at-bats and controlling the count. I did a great job of keeping the ball down and as a result didn’t allow many big hits that hurt me in one swing. The take-away from this season is that I know I can play at this level of baseball. Just need to do my thing and stay within myself to get the job done.