Wednesday

SethSpeaks: Growing up in Missouri, who was your favorite team, and who were some of your favorite players growing up?

Danny Powers: Growing up, I was a huge Royals fan. I know both my parents were big fans, so I naturally became one too. George Brett and Bo Jackson were my favorite players growing up. I still think that George Brett was one of he best pure hitters of all time and that Bo Jackson might have been world's greatest athlete of all of all time.

SethSpeaks: Tell us a little about your high school career. Did you play other positions besides pitch? Did you play on good teams? Did you play other sports or participate in other events?

Danny Powers: I had a great time in high school. I went to Carl Junction High, which is a medium size high school in Missouri. I played three sports: football, basketball, and baseball. I lettered all 4 years in each sport and was fortunate enough to play on very good teams. During my junior year, my baseball team finished second in the State. That year I earned All-State honors as a pitcher. When I wasn't pitching, I played the outfield. Actually, my senior year in high school I earned All-State honors as an outfielder rather than a pitcher.

SethSpeaks: Were you drafted out of high school? Were you heavily recruited?

Danny Powers: I was not drafted out of high school, although I thought there was a chance I'd be a late round, draft-and-follow pick. The summer after my junior year of high school I was invited to participate in the Junior-National USA Team Trials. On my trial team, I played with guys that have already made it to the big leagues such as Joe Mauer and J.P Howell. Despite getting a lot of exposure by participating in such a prestigious event, I was not heavily recruited for baseball. The schools that were the most interested were Kansas, Missouri, and Missouri State, but I didn't get the offer I was looking for. After I didn't get the right offer during the early signing period, I decided to pursue I college football career at Emporia State University as a quarterback. That summer, however, I decided that my future may be in baseball, so I decided to go to a junior college and focus solely on baseball. After I disappointing season at Crowder College, I decided junior college wasn't for me. I spent the rest of my college career at Central Missouri State University.

SethSpeaks: The Twins took you in the 8th round in 2005. Had you talked to the Twins' scouts much, and where were you expecting to be drafted?

Danny Powers: Being selected by the Twins was a pleasant surprise to me. I had not talked to any Twins' scouts the entire season. The teams that had shown me the most attention were Oakland, Seattle, and Cleveland. I wasn't exactly sure where I would go in the draft, but I was expecting to be taken anywhere from the 4th to the 10th round.

SethSpeaks: If you weren't playing pro baseball, what would your career of choice be?

Danny Powers: Well, right now I'm spending this of season finishing up my Secondary Education--Social Studies degree. When I'm done playing baseball, I would like to get into coaching and teaching.

SethSpeaks: Who were some of the coaches or people that have helped you get to this point in your career?

Danny Powers: I have been very fortunate to have always been surrounded by excellent coaches and people who have helped along the way. The people that have been the most important and helpful have been my parents. They always supported and provided for me while I was attending school and playing baseball. There is no way I would have been able to support myself while going to school and playing ball. I owe this opportunity to my parents for always being there when I needed them. I've also had several coaches that helped along the way. I would like to thank Todd Hafner, Phil Cook, Denis Vilela, Mark Hoekstra, Richard Neria, Flave Darnell, Andy Summers, Lance Robbins, Clint Culbertson, Darin Vaughn, Steve Miller, and Darin Hendrickson for being outstanding coaches and helping me develop as a person and a player.

SethSpeaks: How would you describe yourself as a pitcher? What are your strengths, and what areas would you say you most have to improve upon?

Danny Powers: I would describe myself as a very competitive pitcher. I'm a sinker/slider guy that's not overpowering. I think I make up for that by constantly attacking the hitter and pounding the strike zone with all my pitches. I can't really think of just one area I need to improve on. I am constantly working on to improve every aspect game. If I had to focus on just was thing it would be to get comfortable enough with my change up to throw it in any count.

SethSpeaks: What pitches do you throw, and what would you say is your "out" pitch?

Danny Powers: I throw the standard 4 pitches for a pitcher-- fastball, curve ball, slider, change up. My "out" pitch would have to be my slider. I can throw it pretty much in any count and usually put it where I want it.

SethSpeaks: What was the adjustment to pro baseball like for you?

Danny Powers: The main adjust I had to make for pro baseball was adjusting to the role of a reliever. My entire college career I was a starter. It took me a few weeks for my arm and my mind to be prepared to throw every day.

SethSpeaks: What are some of your initial thoughts on the Twins organization?

Danny Powers: I had good initial thoughts about the Twins organization. I have to admit that I didn't know much about the organization prior to being drafted. After getting to know the Twins philosophy, I really enjoy being a part of the organization. The Twins handle everything with professionalism and it shows. That's why they are able to bring up guys within the organization and build a competitive team year after year.

SethSpeaks: You started the 2006 season by completely dominating the Midwest League. That earned you a quick promotion to Ft. Myers. Can you discuss the differences between the Midwest League and the Florida State League, from your perspective?

Danny Powers: I would have have to say the most glaring difference was team defense. Not that the defense was poor in the Midwest League, but balls that I was used to seeing get through the hole or drop in the outfield were being caught with regularity. Also, the hitters in the Florida State League seemed to be more patient hitters. They looked for their pitch and hit it well if you gave it them.

SethSpeaks: Are there three or four of your 2006 teammates that you just know are going to make it to the big leagues? Is there a sleeper prospect, in your mind?

SethSpeaks: You did miss a little time due to injury. Can you describe the injury, and let us know how you are feeling now?

SethSpeaks: What were your goals heading into the 2006 season, and how do you think you did?

SethSpeaks: What are your plans for the offseason Did the coaching staff give you some things to work on specifically?

SethSpeaks: What do you think it will be like to put on a big league uniform in a regular season for the first time?

SethSpeaks: Is there anything else that you would like to share with Twins fans around the country about yourself?