Meet Mark Diapoules

If anything, pitcher Mark Diapoules has time on his side. At 23, he is the Ducks' youngest player and one year removed from making the Florida State League All-Star Game as a member of the Palm Beach (high Class A) Cardinals. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 21st round of the 2006 MLB draft, he spent four seasons with the organization, going a combined 17-12 with a 4.22 ERA. He advanced to Double-A in 2010 but was released during the offseason. In his first season with the Ducks, Diapoules is 7-3 with a 4.52 ERA in 27 games (12 starts).

What are your favorite memories of playing in the Cardinals organization?

"I got to play in the low-A and high-A All-Star games. I also got called up to big-league camp as a backup a couple of times. Being able to hang out with Ryan Franklin and Jason Motte in the bullpen was memorable."

Who was your most talented teammate?

"I would have to say [current Blue Jays centerfielder] Colby Rasmus. I just remember when he played some rehab games while I was with the Palm Beach Cardinals, and he made some plays in centerfield that saved me a ton of runs.

"One of my buddies in rookie ball was named Jon Edwards. He was 19-years old, 6-5, 250 pounds, and he could hit a ball a mile. He had every tool you could think of."

Who is the best hitter you ever faced?

"I have two, and they are both playing for the Florida Marlins. The first guy is Logan Morrison, who I gave up my first hit to in high-A. Mike Stanton is the second guy. You really had to make good pitches to him. He was 6-5, 6-6, 235 pounds. If you missed with a fastball down the middle, it was most likely gone."

What were your emotions when you found out the Cardinals had released you?

"I was actually in spring training when they told me. It was a low point, but I just knew I still wanted to play baseball and prove to everybody that I could still do it."

What has been the best part about playing with the Ducks?

"The best part is that we have fun together as a team. Everybody is behind everybody else 100 percent. It has been a long time since I've been on a team like that."

Both your brother-in-law and two older brothers are lieutenant firefighters in Martin County, Fla. Is that something you could see doing in the future?

"I'm debating between that or the police department. I'll make that decision when I'm done playing baseball."

THE WEEK AHEAD

Today: vs.Somerset, 6:05 p.m.

Tomorrow: vs. York, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: vs. Bridgeport, 7:05 p.m.

Thursday: vs. Bridgeport, 7:05 p.m.

Friday: vs. Bridgeport, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday: vs. Camden (DH), 1:05 p.m. & 7:05 p.m.

Sunday: vs. Camden, 1:35 p.m.