Marcus Stroman was playing on his phone while attending a class at Duke University Thursday morning when he learned the Toronto Blue Jays had traded for David Price.
Like most Blue Jays fans, he immediately started celebrating.
“I texted David (Price) right away,” the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher told hosts Jeff Blair on Paul Jones on Prime Time Sports. “I had his number from last year when he was in Toronto. I was kind of talking to him and once it happened, I ran of the room and celebrated a little bit. I gathered my thoughts and then went back into class.
Stroman considers Price a role model and has closely studied his game since the all-star left-hander pitched for Vanderbilt University.
“He’s one of the best in the game,” Stroman said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. “ Not only on the field, but off it – he’s one of the best personalities in the game…His confidence and his demeanour — that plays a part (of his success) more than his stuff. It shows on every single pitch he delivers and I try and do the same.”
Stroman, who tore his ACL during a fielding drill in spring training, says he is progressing in his recovery and hopes to return to the club before the end of the regular season.
“I’m working harder than I have ever in my life,” he explained. “I work out twice a day, six days a week, for the past three and a half months. I’m really excited where I’m at now. I’m in my throwing program and I’m looking forward to coming back this year. I just have to stick to the plan and live out these last few weeks on campus here and get back.”
However, Stroman did admit that it’s tough to focus on his homework when the Blue Jays are making such exciting moves to bolster the club.
“I just got off of Facetime with (Aaron Sanchez) and (Jose) Bautista. I can’t explain how hard it is to write a paper while all this is going on. I obviously want to be in Toronto and I’m looking forward to being back sooner than later.”