Recently, Seth was able to catch up with the talented right-hander. Below you will find his responses.
Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Kansas, which was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players?
Tyler Benninghoff (TB): My favorite team to watch growing up was the Royals, and my favorite player has to be Alex Gordon.
SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities?
TB: Some of the better memories from high school ball would include playing with my brother sophomore year. I did play football all four years and played basketball as well.
SS: What was the recruitment process like for you in high school? Was it a process you enjoyed?
TB: The recruitment process was definitely enjoyable, getting to go on visits to great schools like Oklahoma, Mississippi State, and Arkansas.
SS: You committed to Arkansas. How difficult was the decision to sign with the Twins as opposed to going to college? What were some of the determining factors?
TB: The decision was a difficult one especially having my brother at Arkansas. However, the opportunity at hand was too great to pass up and the decision was made between my family and I based on the fact I had the best opportunity to rehab and develop as a baseball player with the Twins.
SS: Did you have the chance to speak with many scouts before the draft? What was your interaction with the Twins?
TB: I had been in contact with Mr. Mike Ruth and he was fully aware of my situation and had said the Twins were still interested and after some negotiations we came to terms we all agreed on.
SS: The Twins took you in the 11th round. What was your draft-following experience? How did you find out that you had been drafted? How busy was your phone at that moment?
TB: My draft-following experience was very interesting considering I found out I had been drafted while at Premier Baseball doing some work on my arm. Following that, I received a bunch of congratulatory texts and phone calls from friends and family.
SS: What has the adjustment like for you, from the high school game to the professional game, both on and off the field?
TB: The biggest adjustment I have had to make so far is figuring out how to keep my body healthy and ready to work out or condition every day.
SS:At what point during your season did you realize that something wasn’t right with your elbow? How difficult were the discussions and your eventual decision to have Tommy John surgery?
TB: I had injured my arm throwing before the season. I had known immediately something was wrong with my arm, but I wanted to exhaust every possibility before getting Tommy John. Eventually that's what it came to, and I was at peace with that.
SS: What have the last few months been like for you in terms of getting to Ft. Myers and your rehab process?
TB: The last few month have been exactly what I expected and wanted, I get to do my rehab and work out every day and so far it's been great.
SS: How would you describe yourself as a pitcher? What pitches do you throw?
TB: I would say my best ability is my pitch ability. I throw a fastball, curveball, and a change-up.
SS: What are the areas of your game that you would like to spend time working to improve?
TB: Areas I want to work on are increasing my velocity and developing a true slider.
SS: What do you have planned for the offseason? Are you going to spend most of your time in Ft. Myers?
TB: I am going to be here rehabbing in Ft. Myers and will be here most of the time, but get to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career?
TB: There have been many people especially my family most importantly, and other important people like Jeremy Jones, Mark Goodwin, Casey Shaw, Keith Picht, Rob Jackson and many more.
SS: Favorite Baseball movie?
TB: Bull Durham.
Thank you very much to Tyler Benninghoff for taking time to answer our questions. Feel free to send in your questions and comments.
Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!
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