Friday

SethSpeaks: Growing up in California, who was your favorite team and who were some of your favorite players to watch and emulate?

Matt Garza: well I grew up liking both the Yankees and Dodgers. I really didn't have a favorite player growing up i just liked watching pitchers compete..

SethSpeaks: Tell us a little about your high school career. Were you drafted out of high school?

Matt Garza: I played 3 sports up to my junior year, then I was a two sport athlete (baseball, football). I was taken in the 2002 draft by the Rockies in the 40th round

SethSpeaks: What is one of your best memories at Fresno State?

Matt Garza: probably the chance to pitch in front of my family ever home game... especially my son!

SethSpeaks: The Twins took you with their first round pick just last year. Had you talked to the Twins' scouts much, and where were you expecting to be selected?

Matt Garza: I spoke with the twins scout a couple of times and he told me he would push for me, other than that no clue that I was the top guy. my agent informed me of the interest of teams but I had an idea of late first to supplemental.

SethSpeaks: You signed rather quickly after the draft. Was that your plan? Did you just want to get going and play?

Matt Garza: I had the option to holdout, but when I spoke with teams I made it clear that my intent was to play and just asked to be treated fair. I was out of baseball for three weeks and was tired of just working out alone. so yes I wanted to get out and play..

SethSpeaks: What were your initial thoughts when the Twins picked you? What were some of your thoughts about the organization at that time?

Matt Garza: I was happy to just be picked, later I learned that the twins were the type of organization that develops players and I knew I would just fit right in.

SethSpeaks: What are your thoughts now, after spending a little bit of time with the organization, on the Twins and particularly the way they develop so many pitchers?

Matt Garza: I am excited to be playing for an organization like the twins. I know that they have the right interest in when pitchers are ready. Mainly by the past successes..

SethSpeaks: What was your biggest adjustment from the amateur ranks to pro ball?

Matt Garza: mostly just the 5-day rotation.. other than that I see it as baseball.

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

Matt Garza: there have been plenty of people who have touched me while I strived to achieve this goal. Way to many to just pick a couple..

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?

Matt Garza: I see myself as a power pitcher, that's not to tough of a choice. I feel my strengths are the way I compete, my hard working demeanor and my ability to attack the hitter.. now weaknesses I have to learn to pitch more, and that just comes with experience.

SethSpeaks: What pitches do you through, and would would you say is your out pitch?

Matt Garza: I use a fastball, slider, curveball, and a change-up. I consider my fastball as my out pitch.

SethSpeaks: You spent quite a bit of time in big league camp this spring. What did you learn from it, and how were you treated by the big leaguers?

Matt Garza: I was treated great, there are so many great guys up there and they are all willing to help you get better. the most important thing I learned there was to enjoy the game and work hard..

SethSpeaks: Favorite baseball movie?

Matt Garza: probably Bull Durham..

SethSpeaks: Favorite baseball book?

Matt Garza: head's up baseball

SethSpeaks: What is the best part, so far, about a career in baseball?

Matt Garza: I get to wake up everyday, go to a baseball field and play a game for a living.

SethSpeaks: What is the most difficult part of life in baseball?

Matt Garza: the time away from my family, definitely!

SethSpeaks: What are your goals for the 2006 season? Do you set goals, or think about where you would like to be in August?

Matt Garza: I really don't like to make goals. I know the only goal to have is to be a big leaguer and the only way to get there is to work hard and not worry about the future. take care of the present and the future will fall into place..

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

Matt Garza: great, but I think it'll be as fun as the one I wear now.