A Punch in the Face: Pedro Strop’s Perspective

TribeVibe recently spoke with Orioles reliever Pedro Strop, who was roommates with Indians pitcher Esmil Rogers at the Rockies Dominican Academy. Check out the original story here: http://tribevibe.mlblogs.com/2012/07/17/esmil-rogers-a-punch-in-the-face/

TribeVibe: What happened in your room the day that Esmil told you he was quitting baseball?
Pedro Strop: He was kind of struggling a little bit when he was first traded. He started packing his stuff, and I said, “What are you doing?” He said, “I’m going home.” I was like, “You’re going home? You’re not going anywhere.” He packed all his stuff, and he was just going to walk away. I stood up in front of the door. We were standing there fighting and punching. I said, “You’re not going out.” He started crying, and I chewed him out. I talked to one of the coaches the next day, and then we talked to him. After that, everything was better.

TV: What did Esmil want to do in New York?
PS: He had family there, and usually, a lot of players that cannot play anymore go to New York; that’s what they do. They just find a job there and work just a regular job. That was what he was planning by that time.

TV: Why did you choose to name your son Rogers?
PS: I just liked the name. His name is Rogers, but everybody calls him “Roger.” It just looks like it.

TV: Is there a reason why you chose Esmil to be your son’s godfather?
PS: He is a great person, and we are really good friends. I get along with his family; we are close. I chose him as godfather because we are good friends.

TV: What is Esmil’s best quality?
PS: He is always happy. Always. You’re never going to see this guy mad. He’s always happy.

TV: How often do you keep in touch with Esmil?
PS: The whole year.

TV: How would you analyze Esmil as a pitcher today?
PS: He’s a pretty good pitcher, and I think he has good stuff to start. He looks more like a starting pitcher. I think he can be a good reliever, too, but I see him as a starter. Hopefully he’ll get an opportunity to start at some point in his career.

-Megan Golden, TribeVibe contributor