Q & A with Brian Dinkelman

Two weeks ago, Centralia native and current Twins' minor leaguer Brian Dinkelman headed to Ft. Myers for Spring Training. Before heading south, he stopped by tkn2 for a brief Q & A.

tkn2: What are your goals this spring?
Dink: To have a good spring training, gain some valuable experience, and hopefully be in a position to move up the ranks to start the season.

tkn2: Where will you be this summer & what are your personal expectations and goals for the season?
Dink: I'll most likely start at Beloit, in Wisconsin, which is low-A in the Midwest League. I'm hoping to move up to high-A (Ft. Myers) by the end of the year. To make a step-that's my personal goal.

tkn2: How many rounds of golf will you have played by May 1st?
Dink: 20-25. I'll have at least 10 in by March 10th (when minor league ST officially begins for the Twins) and probably another 10 in my April 1st, but then it won't be as frequent. My clubs are already down there, though, I shipped them the other day.

tkn2: What jersey number do you hope to snag this year?
Dink: 12-I wore it in high school and college.
tkn2: You wore 8 last summer. Any reason?
Dink: 12 was gone when I got to pick and 8 was there, so I took it. Yea, I did think about Gary Gaetti when I chose it.

tkn2: Ok, let's switch gears and get to the good stuff. Do you play fantasy baseball?
Dink: Yes, of course.
tkn2: Who are your top 3 fantasy studs?
Dink: Pujols, Santana, and.....Jose Reyes.
tkn2: Anyone else who you think is ready to have a monster year?
Dink: Yea, Grady Sizemore, Scott Kazmir, and Bill Hall.
tnk2: What's your team name?
Dink: Fupa.
tnk2: I take it that's an inside joke.
Dink: Yes it is.
tkn2: I'm not even gonna ask.
tkn2: Any parting fantasy advice you'd like to share with the 3 or 4 readers of my blog?
Dink: I'd like to wish everybody good luck because if you were in my league you would not win (laughing). Hey, I play the game and know it too (still laughing).

tkn2: Thanks for the interview and good luck.
Dink: Thanks.