In His Own Words: Kyle Gibson

This interview was conducted by Nate Rowan, a recent graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead where he majored in Print Journalism and Communications, and did play by play work for Cobber athletics.


Kyle Gibson was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Missouri. In 2010, spending time at single-A Fort Myers, double-A New Britain and triple-A Rochester, Gibson was 11-6 with a 2.96 ERA in 26 starts including two complete games. He walked only 39 batters in 152 innings of work.

So far this season, Gibson is 3-7 with a 3.89 era in 14 starts. He was named the International League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending May 29. In that stretch, Gibson posted a 2-0 record with a 1.42 ERA in two starts while surrendering just seven hits in 12 2/3 innings.

In His Own Words: Jason Adam

You may not have heard of him yet, but Jason Adam has been turning heads around the game since instructional leagues last fall. With a fastball working in the 92-94 range, a good curve, and a developing changeup the young hometown righty has people in Kansas City excited. He was kind enough to spend about two hours chatting with me (on a Saturday!) and I managed to stay on topic enough to actually ask some questions that you'll hopefully enjoy.

Beware, it's long. So grab your popcorn and read on dear friends, read on.

In His Own Words: Pat Dean

Pat Dean is a pitcher in the Twins system. After finishing an impressive career at Boston College he was drafted by the Twins in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft. He signed in enough time to get his feet wet and in 29 rookie ball innings managed to strike out 37 while walking just one. And you thought Cliff Lee had a good K/BB rate didn't you?

I imagine his answer to question #2 will prove particularly satisfying to those who frequent this site.

In His Own Words: Casey Crosby

It's been awhile since I posted responses to a player interview, so today seems like as good a time as any for another. Top Tigers prospect Casey Crosby was good enough to take some time to answer so questions about his upbringing, Tommy John surgery, recovery and subsequent issues as well as pitching in general.

In His Own Words: Daniel Fields

Obviously I love what I do here at Central In Focus - I enjoy writing about/discussing/analyzing baseball and I think that over the past year and change I've gotten better at all of it. One thing I've always wanted to do however, was to get closer to the players themselves and to try and share that with my readers. With that in mind, I have what will be the first of many player question-and-answer pieces that you'll be seeing this spring.

I hope it makes an interesting new addition to everything else you'll find here, adding some thoughts from professional players to my analysis. A lot of the questions will be fun, some serious, and hopefully at least one or two that are enlightening.

Without further ado, our first player Q and A; Daniel Fields, ranked the 5th best prospect in the Tigers system by Baseball America, the 3rd best by ESPN's Keith Law (and most importantly, a fellow Ken Griffey Jr. fan). Enjoy!