Q&A: Alex Burnett, Minnesota Twins Prospect

This is the first Q&A I've done in a long time, so I hope everyone enjoys it.

Alex Burnett has been a great presence throughout the Twins system since they drafted him in the 12th round of the 2005 draft.

In Rookie Ball, Burnett looked to be an average pitcher with a combined 8-5 record and 4.06 ERA between the Gulf Coast League and Appalachian League.

But since 2007, he has been anything but average as he holds a is 20-17 record with a 3.18 ERA between the Midwest League, Florida State League, and Eastern League.

While racking up nearly 300 innings over the course of the 2007 and 2008 season, the Twins made the decision to move Burnett into the bullpen. While some may have questioned the move, Burnett has made the Twins' decision look genius.

This season, Burnett is 3-3 with a 2.08 ERA in 38 relief appearances. He also made the jump from Advanced-A Ft. Myers to Double-A New Britain despite being only 21-years-old but hasn't lost any of his edge.

Burnett's future—whether it be in the bullpen or in the rotation—may not be decided yet, but he'll likely handle both well while he gives the Twins a very talented arm.

So without further adieu, lets get to the questions and (more importantly) the answers.

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Josh's Thoughts: Growing up near Los Angeles, I have to ask; Angels or Dodgers?

Alex: I was for sure an Angels fan. For one, I live closer to Angel stadium and that's where my family took me to watch baseball games and because I always thought they were a better team.

Josh's Thoughts: Did you play any other sports in high school?

Alex: I played soccer my freshman and junior year and I stopped playing once I realized I had the talent to possibly go pro, so I stopped playing soccer and focused on baseball.

Josh's Thoughts: Before you were drafted, how much contact did you have with the Twins?

Alex: I had a little bit of contact Twins scout John Leavitt. He would be at my games and he always had good things to say about me.

Josh's Thoughts: You have had great success as both a starter and as a reliever.

First, was there a reason for the switch?

Secondly, which do you see yourself as long term?

And finally, do you have a preference between the two?

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