Lyons hopes to follow Ford, Garko

For shortstop Dan Lyons, when one door closed, another one flew open. Last year, the 27-year-old was released by the Washington Nationals, the team that drafted him in the 14th round of the 2007 draft. The Ducks snapped him up, and in 86 games, he posted a .283 average. Originally from Rochester, Minn., Lyons played for the University of Minnesota, where he received third-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior. Now in his second season with the Ducks, Lyons is batting .309 with 13 RBIs.

As a Minnesota kid, what was it like playing college ball at the University of Minnesota?

"It meant a lot. I remember going to a lot of UM football and baseball games growing up. It was a big deal being a Minnesota kid to go to basically the only big school around. I felt blessed and fortunate to have that opportunity."

What was your first thought after finding out the Nationals had released you?

"It hurt. It stinks when someone says that they don't have a spot for you. At the same time, I was relieved because I felt like my time was coming to an end with that organization. I was just looking forward to getting a fresh start somewhere else."

How much would it mean to you to get a second crack at affiliated ball?

"I'd love it. It's been my dream since I was a kid to play in the big leagues. In the last week, we've had two guys signed [Ryan Garko and Lew Ford] with a shot at making the majors again."

Who is the nastiest pitcher you've faced?

"Well, a couple of years ago in spring training, I faced Stephen Strasburg. I was playing on the Triple-A team, and he was in Double-A. Guys who had been in the big leagues were coming back to the dugout saying he was the dirtiest pitcher they had ever seen. I was the only one to get a hit off him that day. He was everything that he has been hyped up to be."

Your most talented teammate?

"I'd have to say Lew Ford. I remember watching him as a Twin, going to the Metrodome and watching his games. I got here, and he was running throwing, hitting and doing everything. Looking at what he did, I'm pretty confident he'll get another shot in the big leagues.

"He was always a blue-collar guy who hustled. Twins fans really appreciate those sort of guys."