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Daniel Osterbrock, a 7th-round draft pick last year, is considered one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in the Twins' organization. After being drafted out of the University of Cincinnatti, Osterbrock reported to the Elizabethton Twins and did not disappoint.
In 75 innings, Osterbrock posted an ERA of 3.00 and an extremely impressive 104 strikeouts compared to just eight walks. His FIP was an incredible 2.08. Perhaps most remarkable about Osterbrock's 2008 campaign, however, was the fact that his Batting Average on Balls In Play (BABIP) was a bloated .370; well above the league average. He was receiving virtually no luck at all, yet dominated opposing batters.
Osterbrock spent this past season with the Beloit Snappers, where his production dipped. He posted an ERA of 5.19 with a 4:1 strikeout/walk ratio. Osterbrock didn't put up the same dominating numbers he did in 2008, yet his BABIP was an incredibly high .391.
Next year Osterbrock's BABIP is almost certainly going to regress closer to average, which could very well translate into a jaw-dropping statistical season. Here at TwinsTarget we wish Osterbrock nothing but the best.
I recently had the chance to ask him a few questions. Be sure to read carefully; Osterbrock gives some profound answers and offers great insight and openness into his life both on and off the mound.
TwinsTarget: You've said that your favorite team growing up was Cincinnati. How much are you familiar with Red's history, and do you look up to or idolize a certain player?
Dan Osterbrock: Yeah my favorite team growing up was the Reds and I know quite a bit about them. My whole family loved the Reds too so I heard a lot of stories about the Big Red Machine from the 1970's. I'd have to say my favorite player growing up was Eric Davis. When I was a little kid a wanted to hit and play outfield and be just like him. I even wore his number pretty much my whole life and through college.
Click here to read he rest of Dan's answers!
TT: Where did you get the news that you had been drafted? How did you and your family react?
Dan: I got the news that I was drafted while I was walking across campus at the University of Cincinnati. School was still in session and it was a week before final exams and I had a presentation to give in one of my classes so I couldn't skip to be with my family. Everyone in my family was really excited for me and my phone didn't stop ringing for a few hours.
TT: For those who aren't aware, Dan walked just eight while striking out 104 in 2008 with the Elizabethton Twins. Obviously, you have impeccable control. How do you mentally approach each plate appearance?
Dan: In each plate appearance I always try to pound the strike zone. Even though I'm not considered a hard thrower, I know that if I hit my spots there's a good chance that I'll win the battle so that's what I try to focus on.
TT: You were named the Pitcher of the Year for the Appy League. What does this award mean to you?
Dan: The Pitcher of the Year award was a tremendous honor but I understand that its only rookie ball and I have a long ways to go to reach the majors so I have to stay focused and work hard.
TT: This past season, you walked more batters, but still four times less than the amount you struck out. What are the biggest differences between the Appy League and the Midwest League?
Dan: The difference between the Appy League and the Midwest League isn't that great. One of the major differences is that hitters are more patient at the plate. In the Appy League a lot of guys would chase breaking balls in the dirt or change-ups out of the zone. This year on the other hand, hitters weren't fooled as easily so I had to work harder to get outs.
TT: What are the biggest differences between the Appy League and Midwest League off the diamond?
Dan: The biggest difference between the two leagues is the part of the country you're in. Elizabethton, Tennesee was scenic and entertaining. I enjoy fishing so that's what I did whenever I wasn't playing. Beloit on the other hand wasn't as fun. The fishing wasn't as good and there wasn't really much to do so my roommates and I just played darts and ping pong all night long.
TT: The count is 2-0. You need a strike; what pitch do you throw?
Dan: If the count is 2-0 I'm throwing my change-up. Since its a hitters count and they're looking for a fastball I'm going to try to make them swing through a pitch to get a strike.
TT: The count is 1-2. You need a strikeout; what pitch do you throw?
Dan: 1-2 count I'm probably going with a slider down and in to a righty or low and away from a lefty. Try to get them to chase.
TT: What was it like going from a championship-winning Elizabethton team to a 57-83 Beloit team? How has the fan support/attendance changed?
Dan: This past season was definitely a disappointment. I think everyone had high expectations for this team and we really underachieved. Both the fans in Elizabethton and Beloit were really good to me though. Everyone in both towns were very friendly and willing to do whatever it took to makes sure we had a pleasant stay in their town.
TT: This past season, your WHIP was 1.518, compared to 2008's 1.040. You've given up a few more hits and walks this season than last. Is this something that you want to work on?
Dan: I noticed my WHIP went up this past year and I think that's a result of throwing to many "hittable" strikes early on in the year and that resulted in me being reluctant at times to attack the zone. So that's why I gave up so many hits and my walks went up. Next year I need to focus on throwing more strikes down in the zone.
TT: What will you be doing this offseason? Any specific drills/workouts to help with certain aspects of your game?
Dan: This offseason I will be working a normal 9-5 job to make some money and following the workout program that the Twins gave me so that I'll come to spring training in good shape.
TT: Do you have any goals set for next season? Any clue as to which team you will be assigned to?
Dan: My main goal for next year is to make the Ft. Myers team out of spring training then from there I'll have to set some smaller goals like to stay healthy the entire year, improve my ERA and reduce the walks.
TT: Favorite non-baseball activity/hobby?
Dan: My favorite non-baseball activity is to fish. My friend, Andy Rahn, has a farm in Indiana and I like to fish out there. I also like working at Spring Grove Cemetery.
TT: Favorite game-day meal?
Dan: I don't really have a favorite game day meal but in Beloit we were always given peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so I'd have to say that's my favorite, I guess.
On behalf of all our readers, Twins Target would like to thank Dan for being so open and willing to answer a few questions. Best of luck in 2010!
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