The Tigers newest pitcher, Collin Balester took the time to answer a few questions from us at DTS.

The Tigers acquired Collin Balester on 12/9/11 in an exchange with the Washington Nationals, that sent Ryan Perry to the Nation’s capital city.

Balester was drafted in the 4th round of the 2004 draft by the Montreal Expos, who more recently are known as the Nationals. He emerged as one of the best prospects in an organization chalked full of talent.

I was lucky enough to be able to ask Balester a handful of questions, including stuff about his youth, being drafted, the Future’s Game, the Nationals, his mustache and his goals with the Tigers.

Here’s what Collin had to say…

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1. Born and raised in California, what were some of your hobbies as a child? What sport(s) did 

CB: Well growing up in California some of my hobbies were collecting baseball cards, pogs, and animals I loved animals growing up and still do actually. And sports I played growing up we’re baseball, football, and surfing. I wish they had a hockey league bye growing up that would have been a blast.

2. What was it like to be drafted in 2004? What did you feel? How did you celebrate?

CB: Well it is every kids dream that loves baseball to be drafted by a MLB team and it was no different for me it was really a unreal experience and it’s really hard to put it all into words. I celebrated with my family and friends by skipping school and watching the draft online and hoping I would get drafted and once I did we just all had a huge dinner party and it was everything I ever wanted. \

3. By 2007, you were considered a top prospect for the Expos/Nationals, did that change the way you approached the game at all? 

CB: I don’t think at all, the way I view baseball is just work as hard as I can and get better each and everyday so I have never changed that mind set from day one so it was just an honer to be named a top prospect.

4. You didn’t have a long appearance in the 2007 Futures Game, but what was it like to play with other highly touted prospects?

CB: The 2007 futures game was a great experience it was the first experience of the “Big league” lifestyle even if it was only for a day. I got to play with the games best players and I really enjoyed my time even if I wouldn’t have gotten in the game. I had a blast and it was a great experience to pitch in a big league stadium with a ton of fans in my home state.

5. After spending your entire career in the Montreal/Washington organization, how did you react to news of your trade?

CB: Well first and foremost I enjoyed all the years and all the people/coaches/players/media/front office/staff/and FANs for a great 8 years. Being a baseball player they first thing they tell you is every single player will be either released or traded in there career and or both so when I heard the news it was a little sad because I new I was leaving behind all those great friends and people behind but also new that I was coming to a great first class organization in the Detroit Tigers that has a chance to win and go to the playoffs and world series every year I mean what more can a player ask for. I’m really excited for my new beginnings in Detroit.

6. Since you have both started and relieved games at each level of professional baseball, which do you prefer to do?

CB: Well I have been a starter for my whole life and I really enjoyed being a starter and the challenges of being a starter, but I really enjoy being a reliever too the thrill of hearing the phone ring and then the bullpen coach call your name and being able to hold the game for the starter that has worked hard for 5-7 innings is also a great feeling. So there are perks of both jobs.

7. You are known around the league for your killer mustache; what is your inspiration for your facial hair?

CB: Ha! Well it all started as a bet with my buddy Anthony Slama who plays for the Twins we started it as a joke and whoever would shave it first would have to pay the other guy $500 and I won the bet and ended up going to spring training with it and my teammates and media and fans had good and funny remarks to say so I kept it and I have been able to help out with movember and doing other charitable things with it so it’s fun and also can help out at the same time.

8. Now a member of the Tigers, what are your goals for the 2012 season and beyond in Detroit?

CB: Well my goals are going to be the same as every year. I want to be a part of a winning team and do anything I possibly can to help the team win. I am a little more excited to go to spring training this year because starting with a new team it’s going to be like the first day of school meeting all the players, coaches and staff. So I’m really excited to be a part of the Detroit Tigers organization and can’t wait to hear the 40,000 strong at comerica park because I have heard and I see also on twitter that Tigers fans are great.

As of today, our readers have voted that the swap of Perry for Balester should receive a ‘B’ or ‘C’ grade, with 36% of the vote going to each grade.

• Follow Balester on twitter.
• Read CollinBalester.com.