Tuesday

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

Brian Duensing: Actually, growing up I never really watched baseball. But I do like to emulate Tom Glavine.

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

Brian Duensing: During high school I went up the ladder one peg at a time. My best season was the summer of my senior year. I hit .522 and had an ERA of .072. Never got drafted though.

SethSpeaks: Growing up in Omaha, do you have memories of going to Rosenblatt Stadium for the College World Series?

Brian Duensing: Yeah I used to go to a couple of games with my dad. The best memories are just of the atmosphere. The smells, the teams, the tastes and the crowd.

SethSpeaks: How exciting was it to actually play in the College World Series in your hometown?

Brian Duensing: It was amazing. Not a lot of people can say they had the opportunity that I had. I wish I would have preformed better but it was a great time.

SethSpeaks: The Twins took you in the 3rd round last year. Had you talked to the Twins' scouts much, and where were you expecting to be drafted?

Brian Duensing: I had talked to the Twins once prior to the draft. Yeah I was hoping to just go in the top 10 rounds. Being drafted where I was, was not expected by me or anybody really.

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

Brian Duensing: All of my coaches I have ever had helped me. Family wise my parents and grandparents are the ones who got me to where I am today.

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?

Brian Duensing: I would say I am straight forward. I don't get fancy I just try to throw strikes and make the hitters put the ball in play. I would say I have a strong change up but locating it is tough for me right now.

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

Brian Duensing: 4 seam fastball, 2 seam fastball, curveball, circle change and slider. Out pitch is the slider.

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

Brian Duensing: It was tough being away from home. The guys and coaches make it easier but just being away from home.

SethSpeaks: How do you like the weather in Beloit in April?

Brian Duensing: Too cold. My start it was 29 degrees and snowed in the first inning. But it has been warming up and is about perfect right now.

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

Brian Duensing: The teammates and the travel. Meeting new guys is fun. I also get to see a lot of the country I would never have seen without baseball.

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

Brian Duensing: The hours. We are at the field from 2:30-11:30pm. Then we have to eat late. The routine is just not normal. Aslo the wrap people have on us. They think we are irresponsible, rich and immature. These we aren't. Immature, yes sometimes but the other two we are not for sure. OK so we are immature, but not rich.

SethSpeaks: Favorite baseball movie?

Brian Duensing: The Natural

SethSpeaks: Favorite baseball book?

Brian Duensing: Sometimes You See It Coming

SethSpeaks: Finally, what are your goals heading into the 2006 season?

Brian Duensing: Get stronger and keep moving. Always get better.

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?

Brian Duensing: Nerve racking, exciting and unbelievable. Hopefully I get the chance someday.

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

Brian Duensing: I am engaged and am getting married Nov. 18, 2006. So send gifts and money if you want to. (just kidding)