Recently, Adam Brett Walker was willing to answer several questions for Twins Daily. Feel free to comment below.
Seth Stohs (SS): What was that adjustment from the Florida State League to the Southern League like for you?
Adam Brett Walker (ABW): I think the biggest change was the abilities for pitchers to have more control over their third and fourth pitches. They attacked the zone more and their misses were much smaller.
SS: What were your thoughts when you got the invite to the Arizona Fall League? What were your hopes going into the Fall League?
ABW: When I found out I was going to the AFL, I was very excited. I heard a lot of great things about the league. I knew there was going to be some very good competition and was looking forward to the challenge and see how it went.
SS: Now that the AFL season is complete, you won a championship, and have had a little time away from it, what was the experience like there, and did you learn anything about yourself through it?
ABW: It was an awesome experience on and off the field. It’s fun to be able to have new teammates and create friendships. We were able to try and learn from each other and help. Overall I was pretty happy with the way I played. Besides, the last week I was definitely happy. Was able to finish with winning a championship so that always helps.
SS: You’ve won championships in Elizabethton (2012), Ft. Myers (2014), Chattanooga (2015) and Scottsdale (2015), and that Cedar Rapids team had the best record in the Midwest League in 2013. What does that say about you and your teammates and coaches, and how much fun is it to be part of a team where winning a championship is realistic?
ABW: It is an awesome feeling to have been able to have been on so many winning teams. I've always been pretty competitive so I love winning. I've been with a lot of the same guys throughout my professional career with the Twins, and I believe we have created a winning mentality and expect to win wherever we go. In the AFL, I was lucky to have such a great group of guys on my team. I think we all came together as a team and decided we wanted to stay and win it all in the beginning. When a group of people decide to play as a team and expects to win every day it becomes very fun to play the game.
SS: What do you do with all of the rings?
ABW: I personally don't wear my rings very often but I am starting a nice collection that I definitely enjoy looking at. I want to keep working hard so I can add more to the collection.
SS: You worked with Doug Mientkiewicz and Chad Allen the last two years. What does each bring to the table for your teams, and individually, how does each help bring out the best in you?
ABW: Doug and Chad are two great coaches that I know what they want for us and push us to succeed. Doug has been very fun to play for as a manager. He loves to let us have fun as a team and enjoy coming to the field every day. He also holds the bar high and expects us to go out there and play our best every night. if we aren't playing to the best of our abilities, he will let us know. But that is why I respect him as a manager. Chad as a hitting coach is awesome as well. He has always been there for me to talk or go to the cage and work on things. He is very open to our thoughts as players and tries to learn from us as well. There is a lot of knowledge on the coaching staffs I've been on, and they love to help us become the best we can be.
SS: How did you find out about being added to the 40-man roster?
ABW: I was in Arizona at the time, and it was an off day so I had some time to relax at my apartment with my roommate. I received a phone call, and they talked to me about their selection to put me on the 40-man roster. It was a very exciting moment for me and a definite honor.
SS: What's the plan for the rest of the offseason? How long before you start getting into baseball activities?
ABW: I have been enjoying some time off after the AFL, spending time with my family and friends. It's been a crazy but fun offseason traveling around from Arizona to Wisconsin and a couple other places. I am enjoying this time, but I am starting to get back into baseball mode. After the holiday season, it will be time to really focus and get ready for spring training.
SS: Are you looking forward to being at Twins Fest? Since you’re from Milwaukee, I can’t even scare you with tales of cold and snow storms!
ABW: I am very excited for Twins Fest. I've heard it is a very fun time but very cold. I think I will be able to handle it though after growing up in Wisconsin. I am definitely looking forward to Twins Fest though.
SS: What are you most looking forward to in your first big league spring training?
ABW: First, I think spring training will be a great opportunity for me to show my talents and skills. I am definitely looking forward to being around and learning from guys though. Being able to see how some have been so successful for such a long time. You can learn a lot from just watching how players prepare for a season and day-to-day routines that may be able to help me. There is a lot of knowledge on the big league side, and I will always want to learn how to make myself a better player.
A big Thank You to Adam Brett Walker for taking his time to answer our questions today. Feel free to discuss or ask questions below.
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