Tuesday Night,
March 2, 2010
Spring Training
Q&A:
Twins Infield
Prospect Drew Thompson
It certainly has not been the
ideal route to a big league career for Drew
Thompson. The Twins 2nd round pick in 2005 out of high school
was hurt in 2006 and did not return to the playing field until 2009. He
returned to Beloit, worked off some cobwebs, and most important, he stayed
healthy. That was the goal for 2009. In 2010, he will attempt to regain his
prospect status with the eventual goal of making sure that his father (Robbie)
is not the only member of the family to be able to call himself big leaguer.
So tonight, I bring you a
Q&A with Twins pitcher, Drew
Thompson! (To see all previous SethSpeaks.net Q&As,
click here)
(and feel free to leave
questions or comments here)
…Let the Questions Begin!
SethSpeaks: Now that you’ve had a few months to look back and reflect,
what are your thoughts on your 2009 season? What did it feel like to get back
on the mound after missing a couple of seasons?
Drew Thompson: Great to be back on the field is an understatement. That
being said, it was still filled with a lot of adversity and a lot of ups and
downs. I never really did settle in and feel/trust myself and my body like I
would have hoped, however I finished strong and healthy which was really all I
was hoping for.
SethSpeaks: What do you do when you’re not playing baseball or
working out in preparation for the upcoming season?
Drew Thompson: Well, I grew up right by the beach and river so I love
doing anything on the water. Used to do a lot of wakeboarding growing up, but
now just take the boat out and cruise or do a little fishing. The waters always
helped me get rid of some stress...
SethSpeaks: When did you start getting ready for the 2010 season, and
what was your routine?
Drew Thompson: I was able to start preparing a lot earlier than the past
years due to my better health. Also able to push myself a little more when it
comes to lifting and all that, so it’s been nice to say the least.
SethSpeaks: What are your
goals for the 2010 season? Where would you like to play, and are there any
statistics that you are looking to improve?
Drew
Thompson:
I like to be realistic. I’d like to start
in the Florida State League, catch up on some at-bats, stay on the field, and
show people I still got it... after a little bit of time I’d like to finish up
in AA and slowly get caught back up with my career. As far as statistics go, my
goal is to actually not worry about statistics lol. I
want to go out every day and play the game the way I used to. Have fun, trust
my ability and my health, and enjoy the process. For as long as I can remember
I’ve been told I’m my own worst enemy. I’m to the point now where I can turn
that into a positive thing.
SethSpeaks: What does spring training mean for you, and what are you
looking forward to this year?
Drew
Thompson:
Spring training, to me, is a time to
mentally and physically get yourself ready for the
season, like the offseason, but on the field. I hope to be a little more
patient with myself this spring.
SethSpeaks: Who was your
favorite player to watch when you were growing up?
Drew
Thompson:
Well, me and my family used to go out and
spend every summer in San Francisco and was fortunate
to grow up at the ballpark with my dad. He’s always been my idol, role model,
whatever u wanna call it. so I’d be crazy to say anyone but the old man.
SethSpeaks: What team did you grow up watching and cheering for?
Drew Thompson: San Francisco Giants
SethSpeaks: What were your thoughts around the draft and after being
drafted by the Twins?
Drew Thompson: One step closer to my goal.
SethSpeaks: Best thing of career in baseball?
Drew Thompson: sounds crazy but my injury has been the best and worst
thing in my career up until this point. ive
learned so much from it on and off the field.
SethSpeaks: Toughest thing about career in baseball?
Drew Thompson: Staying healthy…
SethSpeaks: Funniest story in your minor league career?
Drew Thompson: The ’06 team in Beloit was filled with them.
SethSpeaks: What would it mean to make your big league debut?
Drew
Thompson:
A dream come true.
A big “thank you” to Drew for taking time to
respond. If you would like, you can e-mail
me, or feel free to leave
your comments here.