Monday, March
8, 2010
Spring Training
Q&A:
Twins Pitching
Prospect Kyle Gibson
When the Twins drafted Kyle Gibson with the 22nd
overall pick, I was told that the team was absolutely thrilled that they were
able to draft him. In the early spring, some projected him to be as high as a
Top 5 pick. Yes, he had pitched at the University of Missouri with a stress
fracture. I was told that he was an incredible person, but not to expect
negotiations to be easy. Well, Gibson was frequently on the SethSpeaks.net
Weekly Minnesota Twins podcast for updates. In fact, he called in to a podcast
with less
than two hours before the draft deadline to tell us where things were.
He signed with about 15 minutes to spare.
Here is today’s Q&A with Twins
infielder, Kyle Gibson. (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 2009 (a lot of events from college season,
draft, instructs and more)?
Kyle Gibson: one of the most fun seasons ever for me. We had a good
team at Mizzou, and it was a blast getting to play
against that type of competition constantly. Learned a lot
about myself as a pitcher through the injury as well. Had a blast at
instructs because it was my first time on the mound in 4 months!!!
SethSpeaks: What do you do when you’re not playing baseball or
working out in preparation for the upcoming season?
Kyle Gibson: When i am not at the facility
or getting ready, I prefer golfing, hanging out with teammates and friends, and
playing Call of Duty on my Wii.
SethSpeaks: When did you start getting ready for the 2010 season, and
what was your routine?
Kyle Gibson: I started lifting and working out the middle of December
but started throwing the end of December. 2 to 3 lifts a week and then once
January came around started throwing 5 to 7 times a week.
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?
Kyle
Gibson:
My goals are to have a successful season
and to develop in a big way on the mound. I don't really have a preference on
where I start it is just going to be important to fill my role that I am given.
There are a couple stats that I like to check and the most important being
walks...If I have a low walk total i will most likely
be happy!!!
SethSpeaks: What does spring training mean for you, and what are you
looking forward to this year?
Kyle
Gibson:
Being my first spring training I do not
really know what to expect but i would say since
college season is already in full swing, spring training for me will actually
be a nice beginning. I am so used to playing baseball already by this time!!!
SethSpeaks: Who was your
favorite player to watch when you were growing up?
Kyle
Gibson:
probably Nolan Ryan or Barry Larkin. I used
to be a shortstop back in the day and lived my big league short stop dream through
him and Omar Vizquel.
SethSpeaks: What team did you grow up watching and cheering for?
Kyle Gibson: The Reds and the Cubs
SethSpeaks: What do you remember about the draft and events leading
up to your signings?
Kyle Gibson: I was very excited because of the good reputation I had
heard about the club.
SethSpeaks: Best thing of career in baseball?
Kyle Gibson: Wow...this one is tough. probably junior year of college,
going to austin, TX and beating number 1 texas 2-0.
SethSpeaks: Toughest thing about career in baseball?
Kyle Gibson: the few injuries i have had. I
have been lucky but they both have been extremely painful.
SethSpeaks: Funniest story in your minor league career?
Kyle
Gibson:
Getting made fun of by Boof
Bonser everyday in instructs for various things.
Calling our coaches "Coach", taking my shoes off in the training room
and leaving them in the exact wrong spot so Boof
would trip on them!
SethSpeaks: What would it mean to make your big league debut?
Kyle
Gibson:
It will be another step in reaching goals
that I have set throughout my life!!!
Thank you so much to Kyle Gibson for taking some time to respond to all
the questions. If you would like, you can e-mail me, or feel free to leave
your comments here.