ALL THE WAY UP
Though already a star, confident Stroman believes best is still to come
I think I will be one of the best pitchers in the game within the next few years, 100%. Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman
Through his on-field presence and his social media swagger, there's no doubt where Marcus Stroman believes he's headed.
And the best part for a Blue Jays team hoping to find it's way back into playoff contention in 2018, the young starting pitcher almost always delivers.
So in an off-season of uncertainty for his team following a disappointing overall result in 2017, Stroman promised that for him, the best is yet to come.
“I do everything in my power to take my game to the next level in everything that I do,” Stroman said Saturday at the Rogers Centre where he was a featured attraction in the team's first annual Winter Fest. “I think I will be one of the best pitchers in the game within the next few years, 100%. there's not a single doubt in my head.”
That confidence and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that is literally patented for Stroman through his successful Height Doesn't Measure Heart apparel brand has come to define his approach. He isn't shy about telling people how good he is and can be and then walking to the mound and proving it.
Following Stroman on social media is to see an incredibly self-confident and driven athlete who has worked hard in the offseason to build on the big success he's already had early in his career.
“I want to be the best,” Stroman said. “My work ethic says so. I don't believe anyone outworks me.”
The precociousness that is also part of Stroman's personality is also undoubtedly a big part of his success. He attacks hitters and the strike zone and is as emotional and demonstrative on the mound as any pitcher in the game.
What matters, however, is how he performs. Over the past two seasons, Stroman has topped 200 innings pitched and his ERA of 3.09 was fourth best in the AL.
“I feel like he already is (one of the best), to be honest,” said Jays catcher Russell Martin, who has a better up close and personal view of Stroman's stuff than anyone. “The ceiling for that guy is super high. I think it's just his mentality. He's the type of guy that wants to be great. He's definitely that kind of guy.”
Stroman's social media timelines are full of workout video - sprinkled with his off-season travels. It can be a revealing glimpse into his personality with the point being that is he's motivated to dominate.
“He's got that fire,” Martin said. “He's got that hunger. He's the ultimate competitor, keeps his body in shape and he always wants to get better. That's the kind of attitude the great ones have.”
He may be ultra confident in his abilities, but Stroman acknowledges that his game still has some heights to reach. There's also the business of his current contract at hand as he appears headed for arbitration. The Stroman camp has asked for $6.9 million on a one-year contract while the Jays are offering $6.5 million.
“The process is the process,” Stroman shrugged.
As for 2018, Stroman is determined to cement the status of the ace of Gibbons' rotations, a title he inherited last season with Aaron Sanchez sidelined by blister issues.
“I feel very good with where I'm at but I know I still have some room to grow,” Stroman said. “I know that my potential hasn't been reached yet and I know I'm just starting to tap into it.
“I know what it takes for me to be elite out there and that's what I do.”
Though irksome to some, Stroman is adamant he won't tone down what's become known as the Stro Show. And that includes ticking off opposing hitters with his delayed delivery and other antics.
“I've got a lot more tricks in store, a lot more,” Stroman said. “Guys are going to get upset with me for sure.”
Among Stroman's biggest fans is the man who can benefit the most — John Gibbons. The Jays manager is well aware of what he's going to get when he gives the 26-year-old right-hander the ball.
“I expect Stro to go out there every year and have a strong year,” Gibbons said. “He has that ability and that desire. I think that's one of the reasons he'll ride his career and get the most of it.
“I think he's turning into one of the better pitchers in baseball. You can't deny that, regardless of what you think of his antics. All I've ever known since he's been is in big games, he shows up. That's all I know. That's all I care about.”