Originally posted at www.ManCenter.com

-----

June 4th marks the 1st round of the MLB Amateur Draft. LSU So P Kevin Gausman figures to be one of the first names called. We had a chance to catch up with him today to talk draft, the season and donuts.

Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and letting us get to know a little bit more about you.

Obviously, the MLB draft is different from other sports in that it happens while many guys are still in-season. How much thought have you given next month’s draft?

Kevin Gausman: I try not to think about the draft, it is exciting, but I still have all my goals with LSU to achieve first and that is where my priority is.

You’re having a great season (8-1, 2.95) and you pitched quite a game yesterday (9 IP, 5 H, BB, 11 K) against Vanderbilt. Reports are that you threw 126 pitches. How has your workload been this year and how is your velocity both at the beginning and end of a long outing like this?

KG: I’ve already thrown more innings then I did all of last year so I would say my workload is pretty big for a starter in college. My velo has stayed mostly consistent. Early on in games I can reach upper 90's, but then I settle into more of a mid-90's pitcher as the game progresses.

What other pitches do you throw?

KG: I throw five pitches. I throw a four-seam fastball and a one-seam sinking fastball. A split-change-up, curve and a slider.

In college there are lots of scouts checking out lots of guys. Have there been any teams that seem to be paying more attention to you than other teams? Specifically, have you had any contact with the Minnesota Twins?

KG: I think because college baseball has so many very talented players that teams spread out and pick when they are going to see certain players. I don’t know who has been at my games and which teams have been there the most, but I have had a visit with the Twins Area Scout in this area.

This isn’t the first time you’ve gone through the process, having gotten selected by the Dodgers in the 6^th round of the 2010 draft. Now though, the CBA – specifically the draft rules around signing players – has changed to the point where it’s going to be much harder to project how signable guys are, simply because teams aren’t going to have a lot of flexibility in what they can offer guys. You also have a little extra leverage because you’re a draft-eligible sophomore; how is all of that going to play into your signability?

KG: Obviously signability is huge to organizations, but right now I’m just focused on my task at hand and working towards bringing this team to Omaha and having the chance at a National Championship. I will think more about that after this season is over.

You have a superstition of eating powdered donuts in between innings. Is continuing that superstition going to be a factor when it comes down to signing on the dotted line?

KG: My superstition will have nothing to do with me signing or not signing. It is simply something I feel that works for me so that is why I continue to do it.

Last question, assuming the Twins – or whichever team is fortunate enough to select you – get you signed. What kind of goals do you have in regards to advancing through the minor leagues and making it to The Show?

KG: I have huge goals for myself. Obviously I would love to move as fast as I can through the minors and play in the big leagues, but I know that that is a little far-fetched. I will continue to work as hard as I can towards achieving my goals, but ultimately your movement through the minors is decided by the organization.

Again, thanks a ton for doing this. Best of luck for the remainder of the season for both you and your team in your pursuit of the College World Series!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]949[/ATTACH]