Thursday, May 15, 2008
Q&A with Brian Dinkelman
Twins Minor League 2B Prospect
Good morning everyone! I thought I would wait until morning to post this Q&A with another Twins prospect that I think has a shot at getting to the big league level. Brian Dinkelman was the Twins 8th round pick in 2006 out of NAIA McKendree college where he set a lot of the hitting records for the level of competition. He really has continued to hit since being drafted by the Twins and signing. With the exception of a late-season slump last year, he has been one of the organizations better hitting prospects. He is a 2B and is solid but unspectacular with the glove. Many around the Twins organization think that he could be a solid hitter all the way up. I think that he is a candidate for a midseason promotion to New Britain if he keeps it up. Today, he answers several questions that I sent to him.
To check out the career stats of Brian Dinkelman, click here. I think you will enjoy Brian's responses. (Click here to see previous Q&As)
Let the Questions Begin!
SethSpeaks: Growing up in Illinois, who was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players?
Brian Dinkelman: St. Louis Cardinals, Albert Belle
SethSpeaks:
Tell us a little bit about your high school career. Have you always played 2B,
or in the infield?
Brian Dinkelman: In high school, played SS, 2B and Pitcher, set school records for wins junior and senior year as a team.
SethSpeaks: Did you play other sports or participate in other extracurricular activities?
Brian Dinkelman: Golf and Basketball
SethSpeaks: You went to NAIA McKendree College. What was it about that school that helped you decide to go there?
Brian Dinkelman: Great program, and knew I was going to come in and play as a freshman
SethSpeaks: You had a very successful four year career there, setting many hitting records for the NAIA level. What are your best memories of your college playing days?
Brian Dinkelman: Four Conference championships and being able to continue my career playing
SethSpeaks: If you weren’t playing baseball, what would you be doing? What was your major?
Brian Dinkelman: Major - Business Management... working on my dad's farm.
SethSpeaks:
The Twins drafted you in the 8th round in 2006. Had you talked to
Twins scouts, and was this about where you were expecting to be drafted?
Brian Dinkelman: Yes, I had talked to them. I expected to go later.
SethSpeaks: You signed quickly and reported to Elizabethton What was the adjustment to pro ball like for you?
Brian Dinkelman: Having to play everyday and being ready to play for months day after day.
SethSpeaks: You and your teammates had an excellent season. What are your recollections of that team and that season?
Brian Dinkelman: We came together well as a team quick and was able to make a run into the playoffs. Now many of us are still working our way up the system together.
SethSpeaks: Last year was your first full season, and you played great in Beloit and made the All-Star team before being promoted to Ft. Myers. Can you describe the differences between the Midwest League and the Florida State League
Brian Dinkelman: Consistency of every player, and the weather of being so hot everyday that would be so physically tiring.
SethSpeaks: Who were/are some of the people who are most instrumental in helping you get to this point in your career?
Brian Dinkelman: Parents and my coaches throughout my career.
SethSpeaks:
How would you describe yourself as a player. What would you say are your
strengths, and what areas do you feel you need to most improve on as you
advance?
Brian Dinkelman: Ability to get on base and hit, need to work on my defense and be more consistent.
SethSpeaks: I think that one of your best attributes is your ability to get on base. Can you talk a little bit about your thought process going into an at bat? Are you thinking about taking pitches so you and your teammates see what a pitcher has, getting a good pitch to hit, or does it vary from at bat to at bat?
Brian Dinkelman: Just being able to have good at bats every time and the situation determines the thought process of an at bat, and giving teammates a chance to see what the pitcher has.
SethSpeaks: What were some of your goals coming into the 2008 spring training, and what did you do over the offseason to prepare?
Brian Dinkelman: Being ready to start season prepared and keep working up the system.
ethSpeaks: You’re off to a fast start with the Miracle this season. Is the goal to advance to New Britain sometime this season, or just to keep improving?
Brian Dinkelman: Both, improve every day and try to move up a level if a spot opens up.
SethSpeaks: What are your hobbies away from the baseball field?
Brian Dinkelman: Fishing and golfing, hunting
SethSpeaks: Favorite Baseball Movie?
Brian Dinkelman: Major League
SethSpeaks: Favorite Baseball Book?
Brian Dinkelman: The Natural
SethSpeaks: What will it be like to put on a Twins uniform for the first time in a regular season game?
Brian Dinkelman: Great feeling knowing you have done what you have always wanted to do.
A thank you goes to Brian Dinkelman for taking the time to answer these questions. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to put them in the comments below, or e-mail me and I will try to get a response. Have a great day!