Glenn Swanson is a left-handed pitcher that finished the 2008 season with the Bakersfield Blaze. He recently made a comeback from Tommy John surgery. I'd like to thank Glenn for taking the time to answer my questions. Here's the interview:

TexasRangersAnalyst: When did you think playing pro baseball was possible for you?

Glenn Swanson: I was always serious about baseball, however, I really began to see pro baseball as a possibility during my freshman year of college. It was a time in my life when baseball became a huge part of who I was becoming and many of my older teammates gave me the belief that baseball at a higher level was truly an attainable goal.

TRA: What pitches do you throw and what speeds are they? Which are you most comfortable with?

GS: I throw a fastball that ranges anywhere from 84 to 89 mph; I also throw a change-up which averages 75-77 mph; finally, I throw a curve ball that can range from 67-71 mph. Although my pitches are always a work-in-progress, I'd say I've become most comfortable with throwing the fastball. I throw that pitch with the most frequency and I feel it sets the foundation to the majority of my pitch sequences--especially being a starting pitcher.

TRA: How difficult was it to come back from Tommy John surgery?

GS: Everyday I wasn't able to play challenged my patience with the recovery process. It was especially difficult at the onset. As soon as I arrived in Arizona I knew right away it was going to be a long year. I just immersed myself in the rehab and tried to get better everyday. It didn't hurt to have some really good friends and trainers to guide me through it all.

TRA: How did it feel to finally get back up on a mound in a competitive game again?

GS: Words can't describe how I felt. It was like reliving the first game I had ever pitched in. All the nerves and excitement made it go by so fast. It was great to have my family there also, they made the experience that much more enjoyable.

TRA: If you had the choice of playing for any other team, which would you choose?

GS: I love the Rangers organization. They treat us great, and they aren't afraid of interraction at all of the levels. It gives us a great chance to learn from one another. However, if they could relocate to San Diego, it couldn't hurt. SD is my hometown and you can't beat the weather.

TRA: What convinced you to sign with the Rangers rather than doing something else for a living?

GS: My parents told me to do what I love. If you ask any minor league baseball player they'll tell you the pay isn't great. The dream is what motivates us. To follow a dream that may lead you down a financially tough road is well worth the risk if you love that dream enough. Who wouldn't want to play on a grassy field for a living? Kids all over the world are practicing in their front yards everyday.

TRA: What coach have you had that helped you most develop your game?

GS: Coach Russell Ivory. He coached me from age 13-18, although he's still coaching me today without even knowing it. I owe a lot to him and his influences. He taught me the work ethic and provided the framework that developed my game enough to play at a higher level.

TRA: What's a normal day for you during the offseason?

GS: I wake up around 8am and go to work. When I get off around 4 or 5 I come home relax for a while, then it's off to the gym for a workout. Late at night I'll watch some TV or read a little and go to sleep.

TRA: Where do you work in the offseason?

GS: I currently work for an independent contractor in San Diego. I help paint and build and clean apartments and other small structures. I also hope to find work at Costco or UPS for the holiday season.

TRA: What is your opinion of the Rangers as an organization, and, in particular, what do you think of their development plan for you?

GS: I love the organization. They've invested so much time and effort into my development over the past 3 seasons. The organization has so many talented pitchers, yet they still find the time to develop and instruct me on a personal level everyday. They do a great job building on your successes and minimizing the amount of repeated errors.

TRA: Where would you like to begin the 2009 season?

GS: I hope to make a team out of spring training. I'm just focused on building off of my 2008 bid. There's something to learn at every level, but I'd like to see where I stand in the Texas league in '09.

TRA: What was the transition to pro ball like? Was it as difficult or easy as you thought it'd be?

GS: I treat baseball the same no matter what level I'm on. The transition was odd, but it was a fun experience to see how things are done outside of my comfort zone. I always push myself as hard as I can, and the transition was enlightening.