Interview With Ryan Strausborger: Texas Rangers Prospect
Ryan Strausborger was my featured interview this week on SportDFW. A 16th round draft pick of the Texas Rangers in 2010, Ryan is competing in his 4th professional season. He completed his 2011 season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, High-A minor league squad of South Carolina.
There are many things you can expect from the Indiana native. Speed, defense and on-base percentage are some of the aspects that Ryan hones, respectively. The 6-foot athlete had 21 stolen bases in 25 attempts his first pro season.
In Ryan’s second year, he followed that with 31 stolen bases and has shown good doubles power. He tallied 29 doubles in 126 games and added 9 triples. Center field is Ryan’s primary position. But he and his teammates know he can play anywhere in the outfield.
As he works his way up to the major leagues, Ryan is still improving his work ethics. With a willing-to-work type attitude, Ryan has the tools and potential to be a successful ball player in the majors. While the Rangers eye one of their top prospects, we introduce you to Ryan Strausborger.
SportDFW reports:
Who was your favorite player and role model growing up, and why?
A:
I was a big Sammy Sosa fan growing up. But I like guys like Brett Gardner, David Eckstein and the kind of guys people don’t expect to do really well. ‘Hard work pays off’, that kind of player.
SportDFW reports:
What were your goals going into this season, and how have they worked out for you thus far?
A:
I just wanted to improve on last year. I wanted to play my role on the team as the player I’m supposed to be, and help my team win in any way possible. Individually, just to kind of improve on last year’s statistics which I’m off to not the exact start I want. I mean, we’re going to keep playing hard every day, and hopefully that will change.
SportDFW reports:
Why did you choose to play baseball? What interest you the most?
A:
I just liked being outside, and the group of guys I’m around. I played basketball in high school growing up. I like basketball a lot, too. But just baseball, I don’t know what it was about it. I just loved baseball more than basketball and that’s what I stuck with.
SportDFW reports:
How did you feel when you were first drafted, and why did you sign with the Texas Rangers?
A:
It was actually the best feeling in the world hearing your name selected on draft day. The Rangers actually selected me because of a guy who was in connection with them in my conference in college, and that’s how I ended up as a Ranger. I’ve loved it all four years.
SportDFW reports:
What do you consider your greatest baseball skills?
A:
Speed, defense and just hard work, honestly. I can improve a lot on hitting. Hitting is probably the toughest thing to do to be honest. But definitely my speed and defense.
SportDFW reports:
Which skill(s) do you want to improve on most?
A:
Just play discipline and hitting to be honest. I know that I’m a long ways away from being where I want to be. Every day I have to keep working at it.
SportDFW reports:
How do home runs, stolen bases and playing in the outfield figure into your game?
A:
Speed is huge in my game. Home runs, I mean that’s just a bonus. When you hit one that’s just an added bonus. I’m out there to reduce my pitcher’s pitch count, steal bases, score runs and that’s the type of player that I am.
SportDFW reports:
What do you think you need most to enter the big leagues, and when do you expect that to take place?
A:
It’s going to happen when it happens. I know that if it does, I’m going to be there to be that team player and get the job done in certain situations when they’re needed.
SportDFW reports:
When you’re off the diamond and away from the ballpark what do you do for fun?
A:
I recently just picked up the guitar last Christmas. I’m trying to learn that, and it’s not easy but other than that we play every day so just kick back, relax and try to rest the body.
SportDFW reports:
Any final thoughts?
A:
Thanks for having me.
Thank you to Ryan Strausborger for taking the time this week to speak with us on SportDFW.