Los Angeles Dodgers: Chatting it up with Ross Stripling
By Jason Reed
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling advanced quickly through the Dodgers ranks. Here at LA Sports Hub we had the chance to ask Ross a few questions.
Dang, it was almost a year ago and I remember it like it had just happened. Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Ross Stripling was slated to take the mound against the San Francisco Giants. Despite the Dodgers losing the game, Ross pitched a masterful 7.1 no-hit innings. From that day on, Dodgers’ fans, including myself, were fans of Ross Stripling.
Being a consistent option for the Dodgers, Stripling pitched fairly well in 2017. Splitting time between starts and relief work, Stripling put together a 3.96 ERA in his rookie campaign.
Here at LA Sports Hub, we were granted the gracious opportunity to chat with Ross. Having sent him questions after his approval, here is what Stripling had to say.
1. I asked Trevor Oaks the same question and wanted your take. Who is the best guy in the clubhouse at ping pong?
"Kershaw. Without question. He has a forehand that’s unbeatable. He claims he hasn’t lost a best of 3 series ever in the baseball locker room."
2. Since your call-up to the big leagues, what is your favorite memory/moment?
"Hard to say the almost No-Hitter isn’t my favorite memory. That will obviously be something that sticks with me forever. Maybe my favorite moment would be pitching (and hitting) against my college roommate and good friend Michael Wacha. I was able to get my first big league win and hit in that game. Something I’ll never let Wacha live down."
3. The Dodgers farm system is extremely competitive and one of the best in the league talent wise. What kind of impact did that have on your career?
"I think you just have to use all the talent around you as a motivator. Those guys are your best friends but they’re also your biggest competitors. When one of them pitches well, you should be very happy for them. But, that should also motivate you to go out and perform even better. The Dodgers grant opportunities to guys who earn them and have proven to move guys through the system quickly when they are performing well. I think if you have the mindset of controlling what you can control and using the successes of your teammates to motivate your own success, then that puts you in a good position to move within the organization. “Woah is me” will never get it done in a cutthroat atmosphere like professional baseball."
4. Which players or coaches had the biggest impact on your development?
"Rick Honeycutt has undoubtedly had the biggest impact on me in the last few years. I’ve learned a lot from him both physically and mentally. Learning how to pitch to certain hitters, how to read and develop a scouting report, and when to throw specific pitches has been a big learning curve where he’s helped me drastically. As far as players, Rich Hill has been a big help. We both attack guys at the top of the strike zone with our fastball and flip in big a 12-6 curveball. So learning how he sets up hitters with that combination has been really beneficial."
5. With the last World Series win (for the Dodgers) coming nearly 30 years ago, does that add any extra pressure come playoff time?
"I did not sense that there was any more pressure felt during the playoffs because of the time since our last World Series. The playoffs bring enough attention and pressure as it is."
6. Lastly, what are your expectations not only for yourself in the coming season but for the team as a whole?
"Personally, I just expect to go out and get guys out when I’m handed the baseball. No matter what my role is or what the situation is, I want to build off last year and continue getting major league hitters out consistently. I want to stay healthy and just help the team win in any capacity. As far as the team goes, I think we are all ready and fully expect to take the next step towards a championship. The front office has assembled a team with depth and talent at every position and there’s no reason to think this roster can’t compete for a World Series."
Ross Stripling seems to be a down to earth, humble guy that is gracious for the opportunity presented to him. With his great promise and ability to get hitters out at the big league level Stripling certainly will be a key aspect in the Dodgers winning baseball games in the future.
Next: Chatting with Trevor Oaks
To give Ross some love before the upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers season, follow him on Twitter over at @RossStripling.